This is The Fox and Duck pub on Petersham Road
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Sunday Snapshot
This is the plan. Each Sunday, I will post a photo in this section because...well, just because I can. Enjoy. Here is the first one:
This is The Fox and Duck pub on Petersham Road
This is The Fox and Duck pub on Petersham Road
Monday, May 25, 2009
Ahh...London
So at last I am in London and having been here for just over one week now, I have to say that I am LOVING it!
Last Saturday, I arrived at London Heathrow after a pretty good flight from Abu Dhabi on which I managed to sleep, yet again. Kirstie and I had been joking before our flights about how we both didn't get upgraded to Business Class. Kirstie said she would love to have a seat in the emergency row for the extra leg room and I said I don't like that row because I become obsessed with the big lever that if you just pulled it down, the door would fly open (I'm sure it's more involved than that!). So, guess who got a seat in the emergency row? Yep. That would be me! Luckily, I had the aisle seat so any overwhelming need to pull the giant lever would have to be done by my fellow passenger in the window seat and she looked like the responsible type.
After making my way through Heathrow to Customs and having to fill in the arrival card as I was in the line (turns out, I was fast asleep when they gave them out on the plane), I made it through, bag collected and unchecked through to the arrivals hall.
Now, if you remember, I had secured my new job before I arrived in the UK and had never actually met the family I would be working for. It's a very strange feeling, arriving in a new place, and trying to look for someone you've never met, so times that feeling by about 100 when the place you're in is London Heathrow!
Luckily I found her, thanks to my cousin who also had come to the airport to meet me, which was a huge surprise. I haven't seen him for about 7 years.
Anyway, drove back to their (and my new) house and settled in. Went off to my cousin's house for an Aussie BBQ on Saturday afternoon, then jetlag set in and came home to crash.
This week, I have done a mixture of work, shopping and sightseeing. Tuesday was my first trip into London to sort out my bank account (which, if you are thinking of coming over here, definitely buy a bank account package before you leave Australia. It will make your life so much easier. For a bit of a plug, I went with 1st Contact and set up my account with Barclays. Vojtek at Barclays Bank on Edgeware Road was brilliant!) and to do a bit of shopping. I walked from Covent Garden, along Oxford Road to Edgeware Road. This day was a bit cold and wet. Since then, the weather has been awesome. Today, I went into London for church and then wandered through Soho and along South Bank and the skies were blue all day.
It felt good to wander around London today, knowing that I wasn't just a tourist here for a week or passing through, but that I was now living here.
I have had to drive a 4WD on London streets for the school run, which is hard to get used to. I have only ever driven small cars on streets generally twice as wide as the ones here. But I'm getting there. The buses and the tube are so easy to get around on that I don't need to drive much at all.
And I am loving being a nanny.
Last Saturday, I arrived at London Heathrow after a pretty good flight from Abu Dhabi on which I managed to sleep, yet again. Kirstie and I had been joking before our flights about how we both didn't get upgraded to Business Class. Kirstie said she would love to have a seat in the emergency row for the extra leg room and I said I don't like that row because I become obsessed with the big lever that if you just pulled it down, the door would fly open (I'm sure it's more involved than that!). So, guess who got a seat in the emergency row? Yep. That would be me! Luckily, I had the aisle seat so any overwhelming need to pull the giant lever would have to be done by my fellow passenger in the window seat and she looked like the responsible type.
After making my way through Heathrow to Customs and having to fill in the arrival card as I was in the line (turns out, I was fast asleep when they gave them out on the plane), I made it through, bag collected and unchecked through to the arrivals hall.
Now, if you remember, I had secured my new job before I arrived in the UK and had never actually met the family I would be working for. It's a very strange feeling, arriving in a new place, and trying to look for someone you've never met, so times that feeling by about 100 when the place you're in is London Heathrow!
Luckily I found her, thanks to my cousin who also had come to the airport to meet me, which was a huge surprise. I haven't seen him for about 7 years.
Anyway, drove back to their (and my new) house and settled in. Went off to my cousin's house for an Aussie BBQ on Saturday afternoon, then jetlag set in and came home to crash.
This week, I have done a mixture of work, shopping and sightseeing. Tuesday was my first trip into London to sort out my bank account (which, if you are thinking of coming over here, definitely buy a bank account package before you leave Australia. It will make your life so much easier. For a bit of a plug, I went with 1st Contact and set up my account with Barclays. Vojtek at Barclays Bank on Edgeware Road was brilliant!) and to do a bit of shopping. I walked from Covent Garden, along Oxford Road to Edgeware Road. This day was a bit cold and wet. Since then, the weather has been awesome. Today, I went into London for church and then wandered through Soho and along South Bank and the skies were blue all day.
It felt good to wander around London today, knowing that I wasn't just a tourist here for a week or passing through, but that I was now living here.
I have had to drive a 4WD on London streets for the school run, which is hard to get used to. I have only ever driven small cars on streets generally twice as wide as the ones here. But I'm getting there. The buses and the tube are so easy to get around on that I don't need to drive much at all.
And I am loving being a nanny.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Well, here I am in sunny London (and I do mean that literally - the weather has been quite nice!).
It was such an epic trip to get here so let me take you back...
On Monday 11 May, I flew out of Brisbane, bound for my first stop in Abu Dhabi. It was so hard saying goodbye and by the time I got on the plane, my eyes and nose were very red and I had almost lost my voice completely. I was more worried about them removing me from the plane and taking me to quarantine to worry about what I looked like. The poor man who sat next to me asked me innocently where I was going and I burst into tears! Then he said to me, "It's no fun travelling when you're ill". Now certain they are going to whisk me away for swine flu vaccinations, I quickly said, "I'm not sick!", then proceeded to cough, sneeze and blow my nose for the entire flight to Singapore! The change over in Singapore was pretty uneventful and on next leg to Aub Dhabi, I did something I have never done before...slept on the plane! I must have really needed it!
Kirstie and Matt met me at the airport in Abu Dhabi and took me back to the flat in the city they share with their gorgeous puppy, Sam. That night, I slept for about 3 hours and woke up at 4.30 the following morning...good old jetlag!
My first day in Abu Dhabi was hot and we headed out to visit The Grand Mosque, which is apparently the third largest in the world. It was amazing! Kirstie and I had to wear an Abaya and headscarves and remove our shoes before we could go in. The pictures do not really do it any justice.
The Grand Mosque
Inside The Grand Mosque
After The Grand Mosque, we drove out to Dubai, where Kirstie had booked us two nights at The Crowne Plaza at Festival City. We took the "scenic route" (read as "got lost on the way") to the hotel which was beautiful and the staff were so friendly. We dumped our stuff (or, I should say, the porter kindly brought our bags to the room, thankfully as my suitcase was 30kgs!!) and headed out to Mall of the Emirates for some air-conditioned shopping! Inside the Mall of the Emirates is Ski Dubai, an indoor ski slope and snow park. We just had to check it out. Picture this: I was wearing shorts and a shirt, and to go in we had to wear a beanie, gloves, a long black ski jacket and boots (remember, shorts!!). Overall, it was not the best look! The snow park was so much fun and we even got hunted down by the papparazzi, who con you into buying the photos when you come out. It was a great experience though, and I still have the beanie and gloves to show for it, and even a small photographic reminder. The Mall was massive and we stayed there for about 6 hours before coming home and having a well-deserved swim in the pool.
View from the hotel room to the pool area
Me in The Mall of the Emirates
The next morning, we drove out to see the Burj al Arab hotel on it's own island off Jumierah Beach. Truly amazing. The scale of this place just takes your breath away!
Then it was time for more shopping and it was off to Dubai Mall for us. This Mall is probably the biggest I have ever seen or imagined in my life. This mall had it's own indoor aquarium and underwater world...unbeliveable! We spent about 7 hours in this mall and I swear we did not walk past the same shop twice and I don't think we even saw all of it! My poor feet...
The Burj al Arab
My poor, tired feet!
But no rest for my feet just yet. After Dubal Mall, we drove out to Al Karama where there is a market that's not very well known to tourists. This was a first for me. We park the car and Kirstie takes me to see "her handbag man". We go into this shop and Kirstie heads straight for the back of the shop and opens up a change room door and asks the guy if she can see the "good stuff". We're led through the changeroom, and a hidden door to a very narrow staircase that takes us up to the top floor, filled with designer knock-off handbags and watches. I got a great deal on a "Gucci" watch...very nice! The rest of the market was full on. We went into another shop and while Kirstie was trying on t-shirts, the Indian guys who ran the shop found out I was from Australia and started to quote cricketers names to me! I didn't have the heart to tell them that I can't stand cricket and those names mean absolutely nothing to me!
On the way back to the hotel, we stopped in at yet another mall for tea, then had a much-needed spa at the hotel before crashing into bed.
On Thursday, we drove back to Abu Dhabi and I had a nice day at home as Kirstie and Matt had a wedding to go to and in keeping with the culture of being in a foreign place, I ordered Pizza Hut for tea!
On Friday, the first day of the weekend in the UAE, Kirstie and Matt took me to Emirates Palace for morning tea. This place is huge! Once again, the photos can't do it any justice. It has to be said that the bathrooms are amazing! After morning tea, when we were leaving the Palace, we saw the official motorcade of the President outside, with no less than three Rolls Royce's...as one does if one is the President!
Emirates Palace
Kirstie and me at Emirates Palace
The rest of the day was spent getting ready for the next trip...mine to London and Kirstie's to Thailand.
But that can all wait for another post...
It was such an epic trip to get here so let me take you back...
On Monday 11 May, I flew out of Brisbane, bound for my first stop in Abu Dhabi. It was so hard saying goodbye and by the time I got on the plane, my eyes and nose were very red and I had almost lost my voice completely. I was more worried about them removing me from the plane and taking me to quarantine to worry about what I looked like. The poor man who sat next to me asked me innocently where I was going and I burst into tears! Then he said to me, "It's no fun travelling when you're ill". Now certain they are going to whisk me away for swine flu vaccinations, I quickly said, "I'm not sick!", then proceeded to cough, sneeze and blow my nose for the entire flight to Singapore! The change over in Singapore was pretty uneventful and on next leg to Aub Dhabi, I did something I have never done before...slept on the plane! I must have really needed it!
Kirstie and Matt met me at the airport in Abu Dhabi and took me back to the flat in the city they share with their gorgeous puppy, Sam. That night, I slept for about 3 hours and woke up at 4.30 the following morning...good old jetlag!
My first day in Abu Dhabi was hot and we headed out to visit The Grand Mosque, which is apparently the third largest in the world. It was amazing! Kirstie and I had to wear an Abaya and headscarves and remove our shoes before we could go in. The pictures do not really do it any justice.
The Grand Mosque
Inside The Grand Mosque
After The Grand Mosque, we drove out to Dubai, where Kirstie had booked us two nights at The Crowne Plaza at Festival City. We took the "scenic route" (read as "got lost on the way") to the hotel which was beautiful and the staff were so friendly. We dumped our stuff (or, I should say, the porter kindly brought our bags to the room, thankfully as my suitcase was 30kgs!!) and headed out to Mall of the Emirates for some air-conditioned shopping! Inside the Mall of the Emirates is Ski Dubai, an indoor ski slope and snow park. We just had to check it out. Picture this: I was wearing shorts and a shirt, and to go in we had to wear a beanie, gloves, a long black ski jacket and boots (remember, shorts!!). Overall, it was not the best look! The snow park was so much fun and we even got hunted down by the papparazzi, who con you into buying the photos when you come out. It was a great experience though, and I still have the beanie and gloves to show for it, and even a small photographic reminder. The Mall was massive and we stayed there for about 6 hours before coming home and having a well-deserved swim in the pool.
View from the hotel room to the pool area
Me in The Mall of the Emirates
The next morning, we drove out to see the Burj al Arab hotel on it's own island off Jumierah Beach. Truly amazing. The scale of this place just takes your breath away!
Then it was time for more shopping and it was off to Dubai Mall for us. This Mall is probably the biggest I have ever seen or imagined in my life. This mall had it's own indoor aquarium and underwater world...unbeliveable! We spent about 7 hours in this mall and I swear we did not walk past the same shop twice and I don't think we even saw all of it! My poor feet...
The Burj al Arab
My poor, tired feet!
But no rest for my feet just yet. After Dubal Mall, we drove out to Al Karama where there is a market that's not very well known to tourists. This was a first for me. We park the car and Kirstie takes me to see "her handbag man". We go into this shop and Kirstie heads straight for the back of the shop and opens up a change room door and asks the guy if she can see the "good stuff". We're led through the changeroom, and a hidden door to a very narrow staircase that takes us up to the top floor, filled with designer knock-off handbags and watches. I got a great deal on a "Gucci" watch...very nice! The rest of the market was full on. We went into another shop and while Kirstie was trying on t-shirts, the Indian guys who ran the shop found out I was from Australia and started to quote cricketers names to me! I didn't have the heart to tell them that I can't stand cricket and those names mean absolutely nothing to me!
On the way back to the hotel, we stopped in at yet another mall for tea, then had a much-needed spa at the hotel before crashing into bed.
On Thursday, we drove back to Abu Dhabi and I had a nice day at home as Kirstie and Matt had a wedding to go to and in keeping with the culture of being in a foreign place, I ordered Pizza Hut for tea!
On Friday, the first day of the weekend in the UAE, Kirstie and Matt took me to Emirates Palace for morning tea. This place is huge! Once again, the photos can't do it any justice. It has to be said that the bathrooms are amazing! After morning tea, when we were leaving the Palace, we saw the official motorcade of the President outside, with no less than three Rolls Royce's...as one does if one is the President!
Emirates Palace
Kirstie and me at Emirates Palace
The rest of the day was spent getting ready for the next trip...mine to London and Kirstie's to Thailand.
But that can all wait for another post...
Friday, May 8, 2009
20 kgs!
With only three days to go before I fly out of Australia, I seem to have come down with the flu! This is quite possibly the worst time to feel sick! Not only will the flying be really uncomfortable for my poor ears, but with all the drama about swine flu that's going around, I keep having visions of myself stuck in quarantine for days on end and having my picture all over the news as the latest victim of the "pandemic". These visions usually come at night, when I really should be getting a good night sleep so I can feel my best. Add to that, the stress of realising that I won't be able to fit everything in my suitcase and will have to keep culling items so I can keep it below 20kgs!
Personally, I think 20kgs to move your life overseas is ridiculous! Even after shipping a second suitcase to the UK, seeing your life fit into two suitcases is pretty sad.
This has been an interesting week. On the happy side, I finished work and have had plenty of time to get stuff done, catch up with friends and get excited about the move. On a sadder note, I sold my car this week. That was hard. My little red car has been through a lot with me and it was difficult to let it go. While my car was a symbol of my freedom, selling my car was a symbol of the start of a new chapter in my life - stepping out and living the dream.
Today, I just need to make a trip to the bank for a final statement in case they quiz me at customs, meet some friends for lunch, buy my nana a Mother's Day present and clean my house. Tomorrow, the family are all out for a Mother's Day lunch and on Sunday, after my last Sunday at church, I have a wedding to go to.
Then Monday, I'm off!
I spoke to my friend in Abu Dhabi yesterday and now I'm really looking forward to my holiday in the UAE. It looks like we'll be spending some time in Dubai too. Very exciting!
OK. Time to get back to work on that suitcase. 20 kgs....!
Personally, I think 20kgs to move your life overseas is ridiculous! Even after shipping a second suitcase to the UK, seeing your life fit into two suitcases is pretty sad.
This has been an interesting week. On the happy side, I finished work and have had plenty of time to get stuff done, catch up with friends and get excited about the move. On a sadder note, I sold my car this week. That was hard. My little red car has been through a lot with me and it was difficult to let it go. While my car was a symbol of my freedom, selling my car was a symbol of the start of a new chapter in my life - stepping out and living the dream.
Today, I just need to make a trip to the bank for a final statement in case they quiz me at customs, meet some friends for lunch, buy my nana a Mother's Day present and clean my house. Tomorrow, the family are all out for a Mother's Day lunch and on Sunday, after my last Sunday at church, I have a wedding to go to.
Then Monday, I'm off!
I spoke to my friend in Abu Dhabi yesterday and now I'm really looking forward to my holiday in the UAE. It looks like we'll be spending some time in Dubai too. Very exciting!
OK. Time to get back to work on that suitcase. 20 kgs....!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
One Last Week
I finished work yesterday and said farewell to my career in the 9 to 5, Monday to Friday, commute-to-work-in-over-crowded-trains-full-of-noisy-school-kids...I hope!
This is my last week in Australia for a while and it's going to be a tough one. Now the serious packing needs to start. On Sunday, my mum and my sister have organised a farewell / birthday party for me and while it will be great to catch up with everyone one last time, I'm really not good at big parties and especially not good with goodbyes.
Monday I need to get my car ready to be sold. Tuesday, I'm doing some final shopping for last minute items and meeting a friend for lunch. Wednesday, I'm getting my haircut and I have an appointment at the doctor to make sure there is no trace of swine flu! Thursday is my only free day so far and Friday, I'm meeting the girls from my last job for lunch in the city. Saturday is for cleaning and packing and trips to the dump and Sunday is Mother's Day and I have a wedding to go to in the afternoon. Then it'll be Monday...the day I leave. Oh, and I need to finish packing somewhere in there, too...
At least being busy will help to keep my mind off the fact that I'll be leaving everything I know (again!), moving somewhere new (again!) and starting over (again!!). But even though the thought of that is hard, I am excited. I get the chance to start fresh. The chance to do things differently and not be locked in to doing things the same way I have done them for years. That thought is liberating!
This time in two weeks, I'll be in London, starting my new life and living my dream. I know it won't be easy but it will be an adventure.
And to use one of my favourite quotes by Jane Austen: "If adventures do not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad".
This is my last week in Australia for a while and it's going to be a tough one. Now the serious packing needs to start. On Sunday, my mum and my sister have organised a farewell / birthday party for me and while it will be great to catch up with everyone one last time, I'm really not good at big parties and especially not good with goodbyes.
Monday I need to get my car ready to be sold. Tuesday, I'm doing some final shopping for last minute items and meeting a friend for lunch. Wednesday, I'm getting my haircut and I have an appointment at the doctor to make sure there is no trace of swine flu! Thursday is my only free day so far and Friday, I'm meeting the girls from my last job for lunch in the city. Saturday is for cleaning and packing and trips to the dump and Sunday is Mother's Day and I have a wedding to go to in the afternoon. Then it'll be Monday...the day I leave. Oh, and I need to finish packing somewhere in there, too...
At least being busy will help to keep my mind off the fact that I'll be leaving everything I know (again!), moving somewhere new (again!) and starting over (again!!). But even though the thought of that is hard, I am excited. I get the chance to start fresh. The chance to do things differently and not be locked in to doing things the same way I have done them for years. That thought is liberating!
This time in two weeks, I'll be in London, starting my new life and living my dream. I know it won't be easy but it will be an adventure.
And to use one of my favourite quotes by Jane Austen: "If adventures do not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad".
Sunday, April 26, 2009
One More Week
Only one more week at work and then I can burn all my "office worker" clothing...well, I could if it was legal to have a bonfire in the backyard!
Yep, only one more week as a Customer Service Agent at my call centre job, then a week in Brisbane, a week in Abu Dhabi and who knows how many weeks in London.
On Saturday, the people who had purchased my furniture came to collect it and in the space of two short hours, I went from living in a fully furnished one bedroom flat to living in a large and very echoey (is that even a word??) room. Only thing left to sell now is my fridge...any takers?
At the moment, I'm feeling OK about the move. It will probably be different tomorrow and then back to OK on Tuesday. I'm all over the place! But I guess that's to be expected. Looking forward to this week being over.
This week also sees the acting debut of my niece in her school play, which I am so looking forward to. Just another major event that I am happy to still be here for.
15 more sleeps...
Yep, only one more week as a Customer Service Agent at my call centre job, then a week in Brisbane, a week in Abu Dhabi and who knows how many weeks in London.
On Saturday, the people who had purchased my furniture came to collect it and in the space of two short hours, I went from living in a fully furnished one bedroom flat to living in a large and very echoey (is that even a word??) room. Only thing left to sell now is my fridge...any takers?
At the moment, I'm feeling OK about the move. It will probably be different tomorrow and then back to OK on Tuesday. I'm all over the place! But I guess that's to be expected. Looking forward to this week being over.
This week also sees the acting debut of my niece in her school play, which I am so looking forward to. Just another major event that I am happy to still be here for.
15 more sleeps...
Friday, April 24, 2009
Birthdays and Countdowns
My birthday was on Wednesday and I had the unique opportunity of spending my special day ... at work!
But it was a good day - only had one sort-of unpleasant call but they decided to hang up on me so it worked out well for all concerned.
Last night, the day after my birthday, I had a lovely roast dinner at mum and dad's with the family so apart from the shock that I get each time I even imagine saying my new age out loud, it was a good time all round.
Now that the birthday is over, I guess the official countdown should begin. As of today, there are now only 17 more sleeps until I fly out for Abu Dhabi and London. I know that while I have been impatiently waiting for this last week of work and the final couple of weeks before I leave, I am now struggling with how little time I have left. My mind is racing with all I have to do and all I seem to be able to manage is to move stuff from one place to another and nothing seems to get packed, sorted or thrown out. Then, I'm also trying to make sure I have everything I need, making time to catch up with friends and thinking about what I want to see here in Queensland before I go.
It seems all too big for me to get my head around, but then again, I have done it all before, surely I can do it again?
OK, I am thinking way to much and it's making my head hurt. It'll be "fine" ... and to quote Mark Wahlberg from the re-make of The Italian Job - "Fine stands for Freaked out, Insecure, Neurotic and Emotional". I think that describes me pretty well...
P.S. That would have been a VERY nice birthday present ... either Mark Wahlberg or the Mini Cooper ... I'm not fussed!
But it was a good day - only had one sort-of unpleasant call but they decided to hang up on me so it worked out well for all concerned.
Last night, the day after my birthday, I had a lovely roast dinner at mum and dad's with the family so apart from the shock that I get each time I even imagine saying my new age out loud, it was a good time all round.
Now that the birthday is over, I guess the official countdown should begin. As of today, there are now only 17 more sleeps until I fly out for Abu Dhabi and London. I know that while I have been impatiently waiting for this last week of work and the final couple of weeks before I leave, I am now struggling with how little time I have left. My mind is racing with all I have to do and all I seem to be able to manage is to move stuff from one place to another and nothing seems to get packed, sorted or thrown out. Then, I'm also trying to make sure I have everything I need, making time to catch up with friends and thinking about what I want to see here in Queensland before I go.
It seems all too big for me to get my head around, but then again, I have done it all before, surely I can do it again?
OK, I am thinking way to much and it's making my head hurt. It'll be "fine" ... and to quote Mark Wahlberg from the re-make of The Italian Job - "Fine stands for Freaked out, Insecure, Neurotic and Emotional". I think that describes me pretty well...
P.S. That would have been a VERY nice birthday present ... either Mark Wahlberg or the Mini Cooper ... I'm not fussed!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
The Wedding of the Year
This weekend, I was in Sydney for my friend's wedding and it was an amazing weekend. Well, technically, it wasn't a weekend as I left on Thursday, she got married on Friday and I was home Saturday, but it felt like a weekend which was very much needed after my two whole days at work last week!
So, Thursday came and after failing to read the fine print on my plane ticket about the time I needed to be at the airport to check in, I managed to make it to my flight with three minutes to spare. In Sydney, I met up with the bride's former flat mate, Jane, and two other friends, Ros and Ann, hired a car and drove to the outer suburbs of Sydney. We checked into our accommodation and then headed off to dinner with the bride and groom-to-be, friend's and family who had travelled from all over Australia and New Zealand. The groom, Aaron, is a Kiwi, but we can't hold that against him. Instead, in true Aussie fashion, we'll just claim him as our own!
Now, the restaurant was only about a ten minute walk from the caravan park where we were all staying, so we decided to walk it. What they failed to tell us was that it was all up hill and I was not wearing the most practical shoes.
So, twenty minutes and three blisters later, we arrived at the Outback Steakhouse, and it was amazing to catch up with Prue's family from Adelaide that I haven't seen in years! It was also very nice to feel a cool breeze - something not often felt in Brisbane at this time of year!
On the Friday, the day of the wedding, we headed to the shops to buy Ros (from Townsville) a jacket before she froze in the sunny 23 degree Sydney weather and me some flat, comfy shoes and then, at last, off to the wedding.
You couldn't have asked for a better day. The sun was shining and the bride was beautiful. The reception was so much fun and I even got up on the dance floor! For those who know me, that is a rare thing! I am not a dancer and have never, ever claimed to be, but I thought since I don't know half the people there and if I do make a fool of myself, I could always leave the country...perhaps in three weeks time, so it didn't matter!
Then came the time say farewell to the happy couple, wish them all the best and then they were gone. Next, it was time for me to say the first of my farewells, which was a little bit harder. Being all back together with my friends was just like we had never been apart, instead of being scattered all over Australia and soon, the world. Great times...
On Saturday, we checked out and drove back into Sydney, where we dropped in to the apartment of a certain Australian Idol winner, as you do, to meet with friends for lunch. The Idol winner in question is currently in New York and the friends were house-sitting. Still seems strange to think of him as being famous since we went to the same church for years!
Then, after a few hurried snaps of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge by Ros, it was time to head back to the airport, return the hire car (thankfully undented after a few close calls driving in Sydney CBD!) and board our flights for home back to Brisbane, Townsville and Adelaide. Home, sweet home.
Now the un-packing, washing and re-packing begins...
So, Thursday came and after failing to read the fine print on my plane ticket about the time I needed to be at the airport to check in, I managed to make it to my flight with three minutes to spare. In Sydney, I met up with the bride's former flat mate, Jane, and two other friends, Ros and Ann, hired a car and drove to the outer suburbs of Sydney. We checked into our accommodation and then headed off to dinner with the bride and groom-to-be, friend's and family who had travelled from all over Australia and New Zealand. The groom, Aaron, is a Kiwi, but we can't hold that against him. Instead, in true Aussie fashion, we'll just claim him as our own!
Now, the restaurant was only about a ten minute walk from the caravan park where we were all staying, so we decided to walk it. What they failed to tell us was that it was all up hill and I was not wearing the most practical shoes.
So, twenty minutes and three blisters later, we arrived at the Outback Steakhouse, and it was amazing to catch up with Prue's family from Adelaide that I haven't seen in years! It was also very nice to feel a cool breeze - something not often felt in Brisbane at this time of year!
On the Friday, the day of the wedding, we headed to the shops to buy Ros (from Townsville) a jacket before she froze in the sunny 23 degree Sydney weather and me some flat, comfy shoes and then, at last, off to the wedding.
You couldn't have asked for a better day. The sun was shining and the bride was beautiful. The reception was so much fun and I even got up on the dance floor! For those who know me, that is a rare thing! I am not a dancer and have never, ever claimed to be, but I thought since I don't know half the people there and if I do make a fool of myself, I could always leave the country...perhaps in three weeks time, so it didn't matter!
Then came the time say farewell to the happy couple, wish them all the best and then they were gone. Next, it was time for me to say the first of my farewells, which was a little bit harder. Being all back together with my friends was just like we had never been apart, instead of being scattered all over Australia and soon, the world. Great times...
On Saturday, we checked out and drove back into Sydney, where we dropped in to the apartment of a certain Australian Idol winner, as you do, to meet with friends for lunch. The Idol winner in question is currently in New York and the friends were house-sitting. Still seems strange to think of him as being famous since we went to the same church for years!
Then, after a few hurried snaps of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge by Ros, it was time to head back to the airport, return the hire car (thankfully undented after a few close calls driving in Sydney CBD!) and board our flights for home back to Brisbane, Townsville and Adelaide. Home, sweet home.
Now the un-packing, washing and re-packing begins...
Sunday, April 12, 2009
This week...
This week, I only work two days, which when you're temping in a call centre, is always great news. Not so great for the old bank balance, but in my new "thinking positive" phase, I'm choosing not to focus on that point.
It's Easter weekend and so far I have dismantled my bed (ready for collection by the lady who will be purchasing it...if she ever gets in touch with me, that is (think positive, think positive!), polished and buffed my car to within an inch of it's life and managed to restore it back to (almost) it's former red glory, ready for sale...to my dad. I've sorted through my wardrobe and collected four large bags of clothes that I'll be donating to charity (and about four more bags to throw out that no one would seriously want!), packed a second suitcase to ship to myself in London and still found time to eat a few Easter eggs along the way!
After all that, I need a holiday! Good thing I'm off to Sydney on Thursday for my best friend's wedding. It'll be so great to catch up with her and her family and also our other family, the Clayton's (you know who you are!). I better sort out what I'm going to take for that - packing, packing, endless packing!
Tomorrow, it's movie day with the girls and we're off to see 17 Again with Zac Efron (oh, to be 17 again....), then work on Tuesday and Wednesday...12 days to go!
It's Easter weekend and so far I have dismantled my bed (ready for collection by the lady who will be purchasing it...if she ever gets in touch with me, that is (think positive, think positive!), polished and buffed my car to within an inch of it's life and managed to restore it back to (almost) it's former red glory, ready for sale...to my dad. I've sorted through my wardrobe and collected four large bags of clothes that I'll be donating to charity (and about four more bags to throw out that no one would seriously want!), packed a second suitcase to ship to myself in London and still found time to eat a few Easter eggs along the way!
After all that, I need a holiday! Good thing I'm off to Sydney on Thursday for my best friend's wedding. It'll be so great to catch up with her and her family and also our other family, the Clayton's (you know who you are!). I better sort out what I'm going to take for that - packing, packing, endless packing!
Tomorrow, it's movie day with the girls and we're off to see 17 Again with Zac Efron (oh, to be 17 again....), then work on Tuesday and Wednesday...12 days to go!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
"I'm off to Paris for the weekend"
I've just read my last few posts and I want to apologise.
Yes, while this is a huge move for me, packing up my life and changing everything to live my dream, I've been focusing way too much on the negative. From now on, I am determined to be excited...and positive!
I'm moving to London. I get to live in one of the most amazing cities in the world, full of more experiences just waiting for me than I can possibly imagine. I have the opportunity to get a start into a new career as a nanny. I'll be living and working in the area that has always been my first choice. My visa is approved. I'll be able to say things like, "I'm off to Paris for the weekend" - a sentence that I have never said in my whole life! And, I'll be stopping over in Abu Dhabi to visit one of my best friends for 5 days on my way over.
So what if I don't have every single thing I need in my suitcase? They do have shops in London.
Yes, while this is a huge move for me, packing up my life and changing everything to live my dream, I've been focusing way too much on the negative. From now on, I am determined to be excited...and positive!
I'm moving to London. I get to live in one of the most amazing cities in the world, full of more experiences just waiting for me than I can possibly imagine. I have the opportunity to get a start into a new career as a nanny. I'll be living and working in the area that has always been my first choice. My visa is approved. I'll be able to say things like, "I'm off to Paris for the weekend" - a sentence that I have never said in my whole life! And, I'll be stopping over in Abu Dhabi to visit one of my best friends for 5 days on my way over.
So what if I don't have every single thing I need in my suitcase? They do have shops in London.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Overwhelmed
So it's April. I'm moving to London next month. Five weeks tomorrow to be exact.
This past week has been pretty overwhelming. I received my passport back from the British Consulate in Canberra, containing my lovely new visa that will allow me to live and work in the UK. So it's really happening - I'll be leaving for London in five weeks.
When that hit me, all those doubts came back - those "what-if's". I made a late night call to my friend Prue (yes, the one who's getting married in two weeks!) and she said to me that it's OK to feel overwhelmed. In the midst of her own massive life change, there she is giving me some reassurance! Just that one little line made me feel a whole lot better. Yes, it is OK that I'm overwhelmed. It's a BIG move! If I wasn't overwhelmed, there would be something wrong with me.
I'm still taking things one day at a time. Slowly packing up my life here and preparing for my new life over there.
16 working days to go...
(I'm counting down the days at my call centre job...it's the only way I can cope!)
And here's a picture, just because...
This past week has been pretty overwhelming. I received my passport back from the British Consulate in Canberra, containing my lovely new visa that will allow me to live and work in the UK. So it's really happening - I'll be leaving for London in five weeks.
When that hit me, all those doubts came back - those "what-if's". I made a late night call to my friend Prue (yes, the one who's getting married in two weeks!) and she said to me that it's OK to feel overwhelmed. In the midst of her own massive life change, there she is giving me some reassurance! Just that one little line made me feel a whole lot better. Yes, it is OK that I'm overwhelmed. It's a BIG move! If I wasn't overwhelmed, there would be something wrong with me.
I'm still taking things one day at a time. Slowly packing up my life here and preparing for my new life over there.
16 working days to go...
(I'm counting down the days at my call centre job...it's the only way I can cope!)
And here's a picture, just because...
Friday, March 27, 2009
Let The Countdown Begin...I'm Ready (I Think!)
A lovely e-mail arrived today, containing the very message that I have been waiting (and not very patiently) for...my Ancestry Visa has been approved.
Yes, I know I've done it all the wrong way round and I really should have had my visa approved and in my hot, little hand before I booked and paid for my flights, before I accepted a job and definitely before I shipped a box of my stuff over to London (OK, I haven't actually sent the box yet, but it is packed!).
Now that that last hurdle is out of the way, my official countdown can begin. As of today, there 45 sleeps until I move to London. 45!! Is that all??
Now that it's almost here, and as much as I know I'll be ready (packed, shipped and queueing at the airport), will I really be READY? I have been planning this trip for over two years now and here I am in the final days, feeling scared and sad and out of control. This is the big one - the BIG move. This is the change of the country, the change of the career and most certainly, the change of myself. While I know it's normal to have these feeling when facing such a life-changing move, I want to spend these last few weeks making the most of my time left with friends and family, and that means leaving behind all the worry and the stress.
I'm just not too sure how to do that. Maybe there is something to be said for the whole "one day at a time" thing...I should give that a go.
Yes, I know I've done it all the wrong way round and I really should have had my visa approved and in my hot, little hand before I booked and paid for my flights, before I accepted a job and definitely before I shipped a box of my stuff over to London (OK, I haven't actually sent the box yet, but it is packed!).
Now that that last hurdle is out of the way, my official countdown can begin. As of today, there 45 sleeps until I move to London. 45!! Is that all??
Now that it's almost here, and as much as I know I'll be ready (packed, shipped and queueing at the airport), will I really be READY? I have been planning this trip for over two years now and here I am in the final days, feeling scared and sad and out of control. This is the big one - the BIG move. This is the change of the country, the change of the career and most certainly, the change of myself. While I know it's normal to have these feeling when facing such a life-changing move, I want to spend these last few weeks making the most of my time left with friends and family, and that means leaving behind all the worry and the stress.
I'm just not too sure how to do that. Maybe there is something to be said for the whole "one day at a time" thing...I should give that a go.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
"Mine!" ... "Mine!"
On Sunday, I packed up my car (and my sister's) with most of my household items, left home at 5.00am and headed off to set up a stall at our local market. This was the first time I have ever done a market...and I was not prepared for the "feeding frenzy" that occured.
We pulled up at the car park of the train station that is home to the market every Sunday. The sun was not even out and the cars not even unloaded, when the "seagulls" arrived! Out of nowhere, we were suddenly surrounded by shoppers we could barely make out in the dark dawn. All of a sudden, my boxes were unpacked at the speed of light and we had already sold about $40 worth of stuff by the time I had everything out of the car. Just as quick as they arrived, they disappeared. It reminded me of all the seagulls in Finding Nemo (hence the title of this blog! If you haven't seen the movie, where on Earth have you been??).
To say the least, I was overwhelmed. Even my sister, who is a market veteran, had never seen anything like it. I am happy to say, that although we stayed busy throughout the day and I made over $800, we didn't have a repeat of the first half hour.
So apart from the sunburn (yes...again!) and the emotional breakdown in the middle of the car park at the end of the morning, it was a good day! I had been so good at seperating myself from all the stuff that I had to sell before I move overseas, telling myself that "it's only stuff", and "I can't take it with me", but once most of it had been sold and I was packing away the remaining few things that I could give away, it hit me that, yes, it is only stuff, but it's my stuff. It all has a story, memories that make up my story. So, looking around my place at the moment, it looks a bit bare, but then to cheer myself up, I look at my bank balance and start to feel a bit better!
It was a full-on weekend. On Saturday, I woke up at 4.30am to call the family that I'll be working for in London, then I couldn't get back to sleep. The night before, I was babysitting my niece until about 12.30am and I had her all day Saturday as well. We went shopping to look for a dress for me to wear to my best friend's wedding in Sydney next month and came home with a pair of jeans and a jumper...as you do! I can justify the purchase...I had jeans and a jumper on my list of stuff to buy before I move to the UK, so I've just bought them a little earlier than planned! I actually wanted to go and see Trinny and Susannah who I thought were appearing at Westfield that day, but they'll actually be there next saturday...maybe they can help me find something to wear...or what not to wear!
And to today...today I may just have done something crazy! I have accepted an extension to my contract at the Government call centre until 1 May - 5 weeks away! Can I do it? I hope so. Before I accepted, I called all my recruitment companies just to see if they had anything else for me and sadly, they did not! On the upside, it's guaranteed work until I leave, I have made friends there and I know the job, so i'm pretty sure I can last another 5 weeks. But in this "Current Financial Crisis" (sorry to have to use the tired, old cliche!), it seems that beggars cannot be choosers!
So it looks like I'll be a Call Centre Customer Service Agent for a little bit longer. I can handle that. Soon it will all be behind me. I'll be a nanny. I'll be living the dream.
I'll be in London!
P.S Update on whereabouts of British Ancestry Visa...who knows?? I am getting a bit nervous, but I still have plenty of time yet. I just need to stop checking the tracking page on the Australia Post website EVERY...SINGLE...DAY!!
We pulled up at the car park of the train station that is home to the market every Sunday. The sun was not even out and the cars not even unloaded, when the "seagulls" arrived! Out of nowhere, we were suddenly surrounded by shoppers we could barely make out in the dark dawn. All of a sudden, my boxes were unpacked at the speed of light and we had already sold about $40 worth of stuff by the time I had everything out of the car. Just as quick as they arrived, they disappeared. It reminded me of all the seagulls in Finding Nemo (hence the title of this blog! If you haven't seen the movie, where on Earth have you been??).
To say the least, I was overwhelmed. Even my sister, who is a market veteran, had never seen anything like it. I am happy to say, that although we stayed busy throughout the day and I made over $800, we didn't have a repeat of the first half hour.
So apart from the sunburn (yes...again!) and the emotional breakdown in the middle of the car park at the end of the morning, it was a good day! I had been so good at seperating myself from all the stuff that I had to sell before I move overseas, telling myself that "it's only stuff", and "I can't take it with me", but once most of it had been sold and I was packing away the remaining few things that I could give away, it hit me that, yes, it is only stuff, but it's my stuff. It all has a story, memories that make up my story. So, looking around my place at the moment, it looks a bit bare, but then to cheer myself up, I look at my bank balance and start to feel a bit better!
It was a full-on weekend. On Saturday, I woke up at 4.30am to call the family that I'll be working for in London, then I couldn't get back to sleep. The night before, I was babysitting my niece until about 12.30am and I had her all day Saturday as well. We went shopping to look for a dress for me to wear to my best friend's wedding in Sydney next month and came home with a pair of jeans and a jumper...as you do! I can justify the purchase...I had jeans and a jumper on my list of stuff to buy before I move to the UK, so I've just bought them a little earlier than planned! I actually wanted to go and see Trinny and Susannah who I thought were appearing at Westfield that day, but they'll actually be there next saturday...maybe they can help me find something to wear...or what not to wear!
And to today...today I may just have done something crazy! I have accepted an extension to my contract at the Government call centre until 1 May - 5 weeks away! Can I do it? I hope so. Before I accepted, I called all my recruitment companies just to see if they had anything else for me and sadly, they did not! On the upside, it's guaranteed work until I leave, I have made friends there and I know the job, so i'm pretty sure I can last another 5 weeks. But in this "Current Financial Crisis" (sorry to have to use the tired, old cliche!), it seems that beggars cannot be choosers!
So it looks like I'll be a Call Centre Customer Service Agent for a little bit longer. I can handle that. Soon it will all be behind me. I'll be a nanny. I'll be living the dream.
I'll be in London!
P.S Update on whereabouts of British Ancestry Visa...who knows?? I am getting a bit nervous, but I still have plenty of time yet. I just need to stop checking the tracking page on the Australia Post website EVERY...SINGLE...DAY!!
Friday, March 13, 2009
If I Only Had a Brain...
Today, I escaped the drudgery that is my life in the call centre at the moment, and went for a walk on my lunch break.
(This wasn't an effort to increase the amount of exercise in my day. The truth is, I overslept and ran out of time to pack my lunch, so I had to head off in search of sushi!)
Anyway, on my walk, I noticed two scarecrows in someone's front yard. Yes, it's true. Scarecrows! In the city! They were dressed in someone's old and pre-loved clothes, complete with accessories - a hat (bucket) for the gentleman and a handbag (of the green, recyclable shopping variety) for the lady. If I only had my camera....
It's amazing what you can see around you if you only open your eyes.
(This wasn't an effort to increase the amount of exercise in my day. The truth is, I overslept and ran out of time to pack my lunch, so I had to head off in search of sushi!)
Anyway, on my walk, I noticed two scarecrows in someone's front yard. Yes, it's true. Scarecrows! In the city! They were dressed in someone's old and pre-loved clothes, complete with accessories - a hat (bucket) for the gentleman and a handbag (of the green, recyclable shopping variety) for the lady. If I only had my camera....
It's amazing what you can see around you if you only open your eyes.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Donald Duck, Tea Cups and Other Dreams
Ever since I can remember, I have wanted to go to Disneyland to ride the spinning tea cups and have my photo taken with Donald Duck. That's all. Just going all that way to do those two things would have made me happy.
I was lucky enough in 2004 to make the trip from Manchester, England to Orlando, Florida and onwards to Disneyworld (I wasn't too fussed that it wasn't Disneyland - beggars can't be choosers!).
If you've ever been there, you'll know all about the piped music that is constantly playing around the park and after even 20 minutes, you believe that all your wishes and dreams really do come true.
So when Dream Number One, riding the spinning tea cups, was accomplished, I then lined up for an hour and a half to have my photo taken with the duck himself...The Donald! (Mention must be made of my flatmate, Lisa, who braved the line-up with me - by far the oldest two people without children in the whole line!).
Photo taken and Dream Number Two completed, what was I to do now? Come up with another dream? Something I have always wanted to do but have put off for whatever reason?
It wasn't until a few years later, after returning home from the UK and moving to Queensland, after years of the 9-5 office job, I found a new dream.
I wanted to be a nanny in London.
I had the training but had never worked as a nanny. Regardless, I pursued this dream and am pleased to report that as of today, I have a job...starting in May...in London...as a nanny! That's right. Another dream is close to coming true. The job is exactly what I have been looking for and in the area of London that I have always wanted to live.
So, thanks to you, Donald Duck and the Spinning Tea Cups. I now know that dreams can come true and I'll keep on dreaming.
What can I dream of next...?
Saturday, February 28, 2009
My Best Friend's Wedding
My best friend, Prue, is getting married.
After getting engaged on Valentine's Day, they have set the date for ... April 17! The best thing is, I will still be here, in Australia, so I can go! I'm so excited and happy for them!!
I have known Prue for years and years. When I was moving to the UK the first time, Prue was planning a move to Sydney, so we were in the same boat. Both facing a life changing move...the only difference, a few thousand miles.
We made a promise that we would be at each others weddings, no matter where we were in the world.
And a flight from Brisbane to Sydney is certainly cheaper than from London to Sydney!
After getting engaged on Valentine's Day, they have set the date for ... April 17! The best thing is, I will still be here, in Australia, so I can go! I'm so excited and happy for them!!
I have known Prue for years and years. When I was moving to the UK the first time, Prue was planning a move to Sydney, so we were in the same boat. Both facing a life changing move...the only difference, a few thousand miles.
We made a promise that we would be at each others weddings, no matter where we were in the world.
And a flight from Brisbane to Sydney is certainly cheaper than from London to Sydney!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Where Have I Been?
Locked up inside a large, Government call-centre, solving the endless problems of the world's (or Australia's, at least!) unemployed and generally bringing hope and sunshine to the masses.
OK. So that's just a little bit of an exaggeration. I am actually working in a call-centre, but as to the hope and sunshine, I can only try.
Since I left my last job, and after surviving my week of training, I have been on the phones for just over a week now and I am actually enjoying it. For the first time in ages, I am working as part of a team, rather than being isolated on reception, and every call I take has been different. Some have been VERY different!
There have been plenty of things to keep us all entertained - phone calls being diverted to wherever they feel like, resulting in a flood of calls coming in that I am not trained to handle. Electrical storms that shut us down for half an hour, turning a normally quiet call centre into a hive of activity with people actually having the chance to talk to one another.
It's good to feel busy at work again and the days are flying by. I have been neglecting my blog and my e-mail inbox is overflowing. The last thing I want to do when I get home is spend more time in front of the computer.
In other news, my niece turned 10 on the weekend and we had a roller skating party with ten of her friends on Sunday. Where have the years gone? Wasn't it just the other day that I went to the hospital after my shift at The Mansions Apartments and held her for the first time when she was less than ten hours old?
Update on the London plans: I am sending off my application for my ancestry visa on Friday after my appointment to have all my biometric data recorded (retina scanned, fingerprints taken, DNA analysed, blood tested, MRI, CATSCAN, kidney donated...!).
Wish me luck!
OK. So that's just a little bit of an exaggeration. I am actually working in a call-centre, but as to the hope and sunshine, I can only try.
Since I left my last job, and after surviving my week of training, I have been on the phones for just over a week now and I am actually enjoying it. For the first time in ages, I am working as part of a team, rather than being isolated on reception, and every call I take has been different. Some have been VERY different!
There have been plenty of things to keep us all entertained - phone calls being diverted to wherever they feel like, resulting in a flood of calls coming in that I am not trained to handle. Electrical storms that shut us down for half an hour, turning a normally quiet call centre into a hive of activity with people actually having the chance to talk to one another.
It's good to feel busy at work again and the days are flying by. I have been neglecting my blog and my e-mail inbox is overflowing. The last thing I want to do when I get home is spend more time in front of the computer.
In other news, my niece turned 10 on the weekend and we had a roller skating party with ten of her friends on Sunday. Where have the years gone? Wasn't it just the other day that I went to the hospital after my shift at The Mansions Apartments and held her for the first time when she was less than ten hours old?
Update on the London plans: I am sending off my application for my ancestry visa on Friday after my appointment to have all my biometric data recorded (retina scanned, fingerprints taken, DNA analysed, blood tested, MRI, CATSCAN, kidney donated...!).
Wish me luck!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Where am I?
I'm not quite sure what has gone on this week. You could say it's been a little bit full-on!
Monday: my day starts as any normal Monday at my job - quiet. At lunchtime, I walk down to the travel agent at pick up my ticket to London. I manage to escape work early to avoid being trapped in the city due to the cancellation of all trains on my line that afternoon. After waiting for a bus and a trip home that took two hours, I have accepted a temporary position in a call centre until the end of March.
Tuesday: first thing at work, I tell the boss and my line manager that today will be my last day. Then spend the day finalising all my work and handing my job over to...well, no one since they made the position redundant! At least someone else gets to sort out the problems with the printer now! Cheesecake, a card, a farewell afternoon tea and I'm done. Adios old job.
Wednesday: on my way to my new job, eager not to be late, a lady collapses on my train carriage and an ambulance needs to be called. We are transferred to another train and after a long wait, I am only 15 minutes late...for a call centre job...where every minute is accounted for...not a good start! Long day of information overload and new friends made.
Thursday: more information and now getting confused! They let us listen in on phone calls in the afternoon and it starts to make some sense. Plans made with the girls for lunch tomorrow.
Friday: day three. More training, more eavesdropping on calls, lunch at a Chinese restaurant, a mad dash back to the office in the rain (making my hair all frizzy!), 4.51pm arrives and we call it a day. Get home to payslip from old job and final pay in the bank! Also, thanks to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, $900 on it's way, too!
So, at the end of this week, I'm not sure where I am. But I'm closer now to where I am going.
Monday: my day starts as any normal Monday at my job - quiet. At lunchtime, I walk down to the travel agent at pick up my ticket to London. I manage to escape work early to avoid being trapped in the city due to the cancellation of all trains on my line that afternoon. After waiting for a bus and a trip home that took two hours, I have accepted a temporary position in a call centre until the end of March.
Tuesday: first thing at work, I tell the boss and my line manager that today will be my last day. Then spend the day finalising all my work and handing my job over to...well, no one since they made the position redundant! At least someone else gets to sort out the problems with the printer now! Cheesecake, a card, a farewell afternoon tea and I'm done. Adios old job.
Wednesday: on my way to my new job, eager not to be late, a lady collapses on my train carriage and an ambulance needs to be called. We are transferred to another train and after a long wait, I am only 15 minutes late...for a call centre job...where every minute is accounted for...not a good start! Long day of information overload and new friends made.
Thursday: more information and now getting confused! They let us listen in on phone calls in the afternoon and it starts to make some sense. Plans made with the girls for lunch tomorrow.
Friday: day three. More training, more eavesdropping on calls, lunch at a Chinese restaurant, a mad dash back to the office in the rain (making my hair all frizzy!), 4.51pm arrives and we call it a day. Get home to payslip from old job and final pay in the bank! Also, thanks to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, $900 on it's way, too!
So, at the end of this week, I'm not sure where I am. But I'm closer now to where I am going.
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Final Word
Now I don't normally do three posts a day, but I saw this "quote of the day" on my blog page and before it could disappear, here it is...
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
Exactly!
Thank you Mr Twain.
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
Exactly!
Thank you Mr Twain.
What if...
Today I booked and paid for my flight to London.
Instead of feelings of excitement, I felt an acute attack of the "what if's". What if I couldn't get any temp work after the end of February? What if my visa application wasn't approved? What if I couldn't get a job in London? What if, after I have sold everything, I had to come back home to nothing? What if no one bought my stuff?
I could go on...and I did. Most of the afternoon. In my head, luckily, for those who had to work with me.
As it turns out, I left work early today as the train lines were down on my route home and they were shuttling everyone home by bus, and on my two hour bus journey home, the temp agency I am registered with called and they have a job for six weeks...starting Wednesday! The job is not what I would have normally chosen, but the pay is really good, so I have accepted it. Which means, my last day at my current job is tomorrow! Of course, they don't know this yet. That takes care of one of my "what if's".
Then, even before I got home, I got a call from a friend who wants to buy my treadmill! This treadmill has pretty much sat unused since I moved back into my place after Christmas (so much for New Years Resolutions!). So it looks like my stuff will be purchased and I'm worrying over nothing.
But you know the best thing? I hadn't got around to that testing the recruitment agency gave me to do yet ... and it looks like I won't need to after all!
My two-finger typing skills live to see another day.
Instead of feelings of excitement, I felt an acute attack of the "what if's". What if I couldn't get any temp work after the end of February? What if my visa application wasn't approved? What if I couldn't get a job in London? What if, after I have sold everything, I had to come back home to nothing? What if no one bought my stuff?
I could go on...and I did. Most of the afternoon. In my head, luckily, for those who had to work with me.
As it turns out, I left work early today as the train lines were down on my route home and they were shuttling everyone home by bus, and on my two hour bus journey home, the temp agency I am registered with called and they have a job for six weeks...starting Wednesday! The job is not what I would have normally chosen, but the pay is really good, so I have accepted it. Which means, my last day at my current job is tomorrow! Of course, they don't know this yet. That takes care of one of my "what if's".
Then, even before I got home, I got a call from a friend who wants to buy my treadmill! This treadmill has pretty much sat unused since I moved back into my place after Christmas (so much for New Years Resolutions!). So it looks like my stuff will be purchased and I'm worrying over nothing.
But you know the best thing? I hadn't got around to that testing the recruitment agency gave me to do yet ... and it looks like I won't need to after all!
My two-finger typing skills live to see another day.
I Love a Sunburnt Country
I love a sunburnt country
A land of sweeping plains
Of rugged mountain ranges
Of droughts and flooding rains
I love her far horizons
I love her jewelled sea
Her beauty and her terror
The wide brown land for me
My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of the fires in Victoria and New South Wales and the floods in North Queensland.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
...and then to the travel agent
Managed to avoid the test at the the recruiter today...ran out of time in the end! Now I get to do it online in the comfort of my own home.
After my interview there, I stopped in at Flight Centre and made a tentative booking for a flight to London! SCARY!!
Hoping for a stopover in Abu Dhabi to visit my friend Kirstie and then onwards to London.
The tentative date has been set for May...
After my interview there, I stopped in at Flight Centre and made a tentative booking for a flight to London! SCARY!!
Hoping for a stopover in Abu Dhabi to visit my friend Kirstie and then onwards to London.
The tentative date has been set for May...
The Great Big Job Hunt
Being happily redundant, this has now forced me back into the world of CV's, agency registrations and the dreaded interviews. Not fun, but a means to an end. At least for the next few months anyway!
I have my second agency registration interview today, including all the "fun" elements such as breaking down each and every job I have ever had (and believe me, there have been a lot!) and the test. Ah...the test.
Now, I have worked as a receptionist, in some capacity, for the past 10 years. From the frontline of hotel check-ins, here and overseas, to the being the face of major corporations (not too sure how THAT happened!!) and, yes, I am ashamed to admit...I still type with only two fingers...that's one on each hand! Which is really quite amazing when you think about it. How did I get to be a receptionist with 10 years international experience without being a touch-typer? Who knows! "George just lucky, I guess!"*
I can type quite fast with my trusty two fingers so this has never been too much of a problem for me. Until I am required to take typing speed tests. Like today.
Just hoping they put me in a room, with no CCTV, and let me get on with it. It's the end result that counts, right?
OK, back to the Great Big Job Hunt. I need to find a temp job, for exactly two months, that will pay me more than I make here, will have enough work to keep me busy and be easy to get to. Does such a job exist?
I hope to avoid the whole day to day temping here and there scenario, if I can, but at the moment, I'll take whatever I can get.
Oh, I did actually apply for a temp nanny job here in Brisbane for the next 2 months, so I'll keep you posted on how that works out!
* from "George of the Jungle"
I have my second agency registration interview today, including all the "fun" elements such as breaking down each and every job I have ever had (and believe me, there have been a lot!) and the test. Ah...the test.
Now, I have worked as a receptionist, in some capacity, for the past 10 years. From the frontline of hotel check-ins, here and overseas, to the being the face of major corporations (not too sure how THAT happened!!) and, yes, I am ashamed to admit...I still type with only two fingers...that's one on each hand! Which is really quite amazing when you think about it. How did I get to be a receptionist with 10 years international experience without being a touch-typer? Who knows! "George just lucky, I guess!"*
I can type quite fast with my trusty two fingers so this has never been too much of a problem for me. Until I am required to take typing speed tests. Like today.
Just hoping they put me in a room, with no CCTV, and let me get on with it. It's the end result that counts, right?
OK, back to the Great Big Job Hunt. I need to find a temp job, for exactly two months, that will pay me more than I make here, will have enough work to keep me busy and be easy to get to. Does such a job exist?
I hope to avoid the whole day to day temping here and there scenario, if I can, but at the moment, I'll take whatever I can get.
Oh, I did actually apply for a temp nanny job here in Brisbane for the next 2 months, so I'll keep you posted on how that works out!
* from "George of the Jungle"
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Superbowl...Monday??
I know it's Superbowl Sunday, but when you're watching it Down Under, then Sunday is Monday...if you know what I mean.
Now, since I am still at work tomorrow (but can see the light at the end of the tunnel now!), and will miss the live coverage of the big game, I don't want to know the score before I see the game.
Usually this isn't a problem. But then, there has never been an Australian in the Superbowl before. Ben Graham, the punter for the Arizona Cardinals and a former Geelong (Aussie Rules) player, will be making his debut in the big time. While that is a great achievement for him, where does that leave the rest of us Aussie fans, unable to watch it live and do not want to know the score before they get the chance to watch the delayed telecast? In a total media blackout, that's where!
The Australian media has been all over the story. For a normal Superbowl, they make mention of it in the sports section of the evening news and that's about all. This year, I am going to have to avoid, from around lunchtime, all internet news sites, all radio, converstaions overheard at lunch and on the train home. There will be no TV for me until 7pm, when we all gather at my brother-in-law's to watch the game.
Can it be done? I hope so.
But then again, the Superbowl is NOT all about me! Go Ben Graham, the boy from Geelong - make us proud!
Now, since I am still at work tomorrow (but can see the light at the end of the tunnel now!), and will miss the live coverage of the big game, I don't want to know the score before I see the game.
Usually this isn't a problem. But then, there has never been an Australian in the Superbowl before. Ben Graham, the punter for the Arizona Cardinals and a former Geelong (Aussie Rules) player, will be making his debut in the big time. While that is a great achievement for him, where does that leave the rest of us Aussie fans, unable to watch it live and do not want to know the score before they get the chance to watch the delayed telecast? In a total media blackout, that's where!
The Australian media has been all over the story. For a normal Superbowl, they make mention of it in the sports section of the evening news and that's about all. This year, I am going to have to avoid, from around lunchtime, all internet news sites, all radio, converstaions overheard at lunch and on the train home. There will be no TV for me until 7pm, when we all gather at my brother-in-law's to watch the game.
Can it be done? I hope so.
But then again, the Superbowl is NOT all about me! Go Ben Graham, the boy from Geelong - make us proud!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Out of the Blue
I have to apologise to anyone who read my last post and is interested in my job...because it no longer exists.
Yes. That's right. My job was made redundant today. And my first reaction...
WOO-HOO!!!
Oh, it's such a relief! I can't tell you how excited I am. Not only is there now a definite finish date but they are going to pay me to leave! Being a receptionist, I never thought that they would make the position redundant, but I hoped they would. It seems they were able to do without me while I was on holidays after all. Now I will be finishing up at the end of February and on top of my February pay, I will now receive another month and a half of wages, which can go straight into the bank and possibly bring my move to London a whole lot closer.
Is that a crazy reaction? Probably.
But now I can shout it from the highest hill - I'm moving to London!!
Yes. That's right. My job was made redundant today. And my first reaction...
WOO-HOO!!!
Oh, it's such a relief! I can't tell you how excited I am. Not only is there now a definite finish date but they are going to pay me to leave! Being a receptionist, I never thought that they would make the position redundant, but I hoped they would. It seems they were able to do without me while I was on holidays after all. Now I will be finishing up at the end of February and on top of my February pay, I will now receive another month and a half of wages, which can go straight into the bank and possibly bring my move to London a whole lot closer.
Is that a crazy reaction? Probably.
But now I can shout it from the highest hill - I'm moving to London!!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Home Stretch
It's back to work for me tomorrow and I'm really not looking forward to it.
It seems like forever that I have been on holidays and it's going to be hard to get back into the routine of going into work every day, but this is it. The home stretch.
I know that my time there is now limited and that can only make me excited, right? Sure...!
Anyone out there looking for a job...a very quiet, cushy job? I know where you can find one...
It seems like forever that I have been on holidays and it's going to be hard to get back into the routine of going into work every day, but this is it. The home stretch.
I know that my time there is now limited and that can only make me excited, right? Sure...!
Anyone out there looking for a job...a very quiet, cushy job? I know where you can find one...
Monday, January 26, 2009
Happy Australia Day
Today is Australia Day. A day of Vegemite and thongs. Of zinc cream and floppy hats. Of BBQ's on the deck and mosquito bites in the afternoon. A day for Tim Tams, lamb chops and Violet Crumbles. I could go on...
And how am I planning to celebrate my last Australia Day in Australia for a while? Tonight I am having a BBQ...to celebrate the end of the NFL (American Football) season...as you do! For the past three seasons now, a group of us have got together at my brother-in-law's (a mad NFL fan!) to watch American Football. The first season, there weren't too many of us with any idea as to what the game was about. We had one resident American among us who was fountain of knowledge. We tip on every game, other than the Superbowl, and at the end of season BBQ, we present a trophy to the tipping winner. The group is a pretty even split of guys and girls and very intersting to note that the first season trophy was won by a girl and the second season trophy was won by my sister. Not bad for a pretty "blokey" sport!
Now my goal is to take out the trophy this year. I have finished third the past two seasons and since this will be my last one, I want that trophy! I'm not too confident though, as the past three weeks games have been upsets (and not just upsetting me!) and have thrown my tips into chaos. Tonight will reveal the winner.
Next week is the Superbowl and even though my team, the mighty New York Giants, are out, I have to say...go Cardinals!!
Anyway, back to Australia. I woke up to the sounds of the kookaburras this morning which made it feel like Australia Day...although, I wake up to the sound of them most mornings!
This is going to be my last Australia Day in Australia for a few years. That makes me a little bit sad! In my life, I have spent two Australia Days outside Australia and they were both great!
The first one I spent in Crieff, a small village in Perthshire, Scotland. I was working at the Crieff Hydro Hotel and after my shift, met up with some other Aussies at the "Social" then back at home, we gathered under the Aussie flag in the lounge room and drank cans of Irn Bru out of our Aussie flag stubbie holders and ate Cheezels that had been sent from home for the occassion. The second one was in Manchester, and after work, we opened a bottle of Aussie wine and a packet of Tim Tams bought from Tesco and ate Cherry Ripe and Chicken Crimpys (sent from home), watching taped episodes of McLeod's Daughters!
Who knows what I'll be doing next Australia Day!
Have a great one....remember the Aerogard and avagoodweekend!!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Week That Was
What a week! The builders have been in and ripped out all my walls and put up new gyprock all ready for painting this week. Hopefully I can move back home by Wednesday.
Meanwhile, I have been living upstairs with my sister, brother-in-law, 9 year old niece and the German Shepherd, Max! It's a full house.
Yesterday, we had 40 plus people at the house for mum and dad's 40th wedding anniversary party. We planned a high tea and it went off without a hitch...but I am exhausted today. After thinking there wouldn't be enough food, we had so much left over. Thank goodness for morning tea after church today. A perfect opportunity to "offload" the leftovers! Everyone was happy! Back to the party, we surprised mum and dad with some family members who came up from Melbourne and also with a trip to New Zealand, so I think they were pretty pleased with that!
Since I am on holidays from my regular job, I have been doing my "other" job, as a temporary nanny for the school holidays. It has been fun but full-on! I have had a few activities planned, but so far all the kids have wanted to do is watch TV or play on the Wii. What can you do? At least they are happy! This week, however, I will have a few more kids to care for and so I'm planning some games and activities to do so we'll see how they go down with the kids. The house I am at seems to be a drop in centre for all the kids in the neighbourhood, so at any given time, my four kids can double to eight or drop down to two. Most of the houses at this end of the street just leave their front doors open so the kids can come and go. Not quite sure how I feel about that, but so far, no one has gone missing or been run over by a car, so I guess it's all good!
Tomorrow, I have an appointment for a haircut, a real haircut. Not a trim but a cut. After growing my hair long for about a year, the time has come for a cut. I do this all the time. I grow my hair long. Get annoyed with it. Get it cut off. Get annoyed with it. Grow my hair long....and the cycle continues! Maybe it's a girl thing! So, it's off to the hairdresser with me.
So, a pretty busy week. I still have one and a half weeks of holiday and I think I'll be looking forward to getting behind my desk for a good rest....but not quite yet!
Meanwhile, I have been living upstairs with my sister, brother-in-law, 9 year old niece and the German Shepherd, Max! It's a full house.
Yesterday, we had 40 plus people at the house for mum and dad's 40th wedding anniversary party. We planned a high tea and it went off without a hitch...but I am exhausted today. After thinking there wouldn't be enough food, we had so much left over. Thank goodness for morning tea after church today. A perfect opportunity to "offload" the leftovers! Everyone was happy! Back to the party, we surprised mum and dad with some family members who came up from Melbourne and also with a trip to New Zealand, so I think they were pretty pleased with that!
Since I am on holidays from my regular job, I have been doing my "other" job, as a temporary nanny for the school holidays. It has been fun but full-on! I have had a few activities planned, but so far all the kids have wanted to do is watch TV or play on the Wii. What can you do? At least they are happy! This week, however, I will have a few more kids to care for and so I'm planning some games and activities to do so we'll see how they go down with the kids. The house I am at seems to be a drop in centre for all the kids in the neighbourhood, so at any given time, my four kids can double to eight or drop down to two. Most of the houses at this end of the street just leave their front doors open so the kids can come and go. Not quite sure how I feel about that, but so far, no one has gone missing or been run over by a car, so I guess it's all good!
Tomorrow, I have an appointment for a haircut, a real haircut. Not a trim but a cut. After growing my hair long for about a year, the time has come for a cut. I do this all the time. I grow my hair long. Get annoyed with it. Get it cut off. Get annoyed with it. Grow my hair long....and the cycle continues! Maybe it's a girl thing! So, it's off to the hairdresser with me.
So, a pretty busy week. I still have one and a half weeks of holiday and I think I'll be looking forward to getting behind my desk for a good rest....but not quite yet!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Homeless
The builders have finally given me a date. They will be here on Tuesday to tear out all my walls.
I'll be homeless. Sort of.
I will be moving in with the landlords upstairs (also known as my sister and brother-in-law) until all the work is done.
So, I am packing and moving - again. Having been back in my place for a week and a half and un-packing all my stuff, I now need to pack it all back up and cover everything with plastic sheets. What a fun way to spend the weekend!
It actually gives me the opportunity to throw out a whole lot of stuff. I have been putting it off for too long and it needs to be done. Each time I have started though, I end up moving stuff from one place to another and never throwing things away. I need to get tough and just do it. I have never been a big hoarder, but with this move to London, I am selling most of my stuff and won't have any place to store anything beyond one box or so (one box will be OK in your garage won't it, mum?). This means throwing out a whole lot of stuff that I haven't been able to part with before.
I keep thinking to myself, do I really need it? The answer: probably not, but I want it.
I'm going to need to have a massive garage sale....
I'll be homeless. Sort of.
I will be moving in with the landlords upstairs (also known as my sister and brother-in-law) until all the work is done.
So, I am packing and moving - again. Having been back in my place for a week and a half and un-packing all my stuff, I now need to pack it all back up and cover everything with plastic sheets. What a fun way to spend the weekend!
It actually gives me the opportunity to throw out a whole lot of stuff. I have been putting it off for too long and it needs to be done. Each time I have started though, I end up moving stuff from one place to another and never throwing things away. I need to get tough and just do it. I have never been a big hoarder, but with this move to London, I am selling most of my stuff and won't have any place to store anything beyond one box or so (one box will be OK in your garage won't it, mum?). This means throwing out a whole lot of stuff that I haven't been able to part with before.
I keep thinking to myself, do I really need it? The answer: probably not, but I want it.
I'm going to need to have a massive garage sale....
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Back to Work (part 2)
Day Three. Wednesday. Hump Day. Whatever you like to call it, Wednesday is the middle of the week. The middle of a very long and quiet week for me.
Today, in my wonderful, dead-boring office job, my "work" consisted of discovering a new blog to read, reading all the other blogs I follow, and....that's about it.
Did I do anything that I am meant to do, according to my job description? Well, I did unload the dishwasher this morning....after that I forget!
Tomorrow is Thursday. I really think I should devote some serious time to Google Earth, maybe see what other treasures Wikipedia has for me....
It's all about the balance....
Today, in my wonderful, dead-boring office job, my "work" consisted of discovering a new blog to read, reading all the other blogs I follow, and....that's about it.
Did I do anything that I am meant to do, according to my job description? Well, I did unload the dishwasher this morning....after that I forget!
Tomorrow is Thursday. I really think I should devote some serious time to Google Earth, maybe see what other treasures Wikipedia has for me....
It's all about the balance....
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Back to Work
Second day back at work today, after the holidays - or should I say back at my place of work, because there is not a whole lot of work to do!
We have a total of 5 people in the office this week, myself included and as of 11.30am, I have taken a grand total of three phone calls. I don't know what I would do if it wasn't for Wikipedia! This morning, I have been exploring myths & legends, ancient Native American Tribes and Ewan McGregor! Not bad for a mornings work.
Trouble is, there are still three and a half days of this before the weekend...and my second round of holidays! That's right, I can't complain...back to work for a week and then off again for three weeks. Not bad. Not bad at all.
Not that I am having an official holiday. I have landed myself a temporary nanny share job for the rest of the school holidays, looking after 3 kids aged between 7 and 9. I'm really looking forward to it. The kids are great and it's all really good experience for me (not to mention the potential for glowing references!).
So after running around after three kids for three weeks, I can come back to work, where it's nice and quiet, for a well-earned break.
Good to know that some things will never change!
We have a total of 5 people in the office this week, myself included and as of 11.30am, I have taken a grand total of three phone calls. I don't know what I would do if it wasn't for Wikipedia! This morning, I have been exploring myths & legends, ancient Native American Tribes and Ewan McGregor! Not bad for a mornings work.
Trouble is, there are still three and a half days of this before the weekend...and my second round of holidays! That's right, I can't complain...back to work for a week and then off again for three weeks. Not bad. Not bad at all.
Not that I am having an official holiday. I have landed myself a temporary nanny share job for the rest of the school holidays, looking after 3 kids aged between 7 and 9. I'm really looking forward to it. The kids are great and it's all really good experience for me (not to mention the potential for glowing references!).
So after running around after three kids for three weeks, I can come back to work, where it's nice and quiet, for a well-earned break.
Good to know that some things will never change!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
OK, moving on...
Right. 2008 is over. 2009 is here. The Christmas decorations have been put away. New Year's Eve has been celebrated and recovered from. It's time...
Time to get out those boxes, sort out the stuff that needs to be sold, be given away, to be kept. Time to stop spending and start saving all my pennies. Time to apply for my Ancestry Visa. Time to finish my CV and start applying for jobs in the UK.
Time to move. Time to start thinking what I really want from this year. Where I want to see myself this time next year.
When I think about all that I have to do, it's really overwhelming. I know all the well-meaning people will say just take one day at a time.
Well, it's Saturday today. I have boxes ready to go and as soon as I stop wasting time on the internet, I'll get started boxing stuff up. It really is hard to know where to start because the builders haven't arrived yet to start work on my place after the storm damage, so even though I am back at home, I may be homeless again sometime soon. I guess now is a good time as any to have a clean out.
Still blogging, I hear you ask? Did I mention that I am prone to procrastination?
OK, OK...I'm going now!
Time to get out those boxes, sort out the stuff that needs to be sold, be given away, to be kept. Time to stop spending and start saving all my pennies. Time to apply for my Ancestry Visa. Time to finish my CV and start applying for jobs in the UK.
Time to move. Time to start thinking what I really want from this year. Where I want to see myself this time next year.
When I think about all that I have to do, it's really overwhelming. I know all the well-meaning people will say just take one day at a time.
Well, it's Saturday today. I have boxes ready to go and as soon as I stop wasting time on the internet, I'll get started boxing stuff up. It really is hard to know where to start because the builders haven't arrived yet to start work on my place after the storm damage, so even though I am back at home, I may be homeless again sometime soon. I guess now is a good time as any to have a clean out.
Still blogging, I hear you ask? Did I mention that I am prone to procrastination?
OK, OK...I'm going now!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
The Year That Was
"Borrowed" this from my facebook wall and since it's the last day of 2008, what better time to reflect on the year that was...
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Started my very own blog
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't like to make New Year's resolutions as I'm notorious for never following through. I did make a start on losing weight which I will continue into this year (it's taking a little longer than planned!)
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, but there are babies on the way!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes. My nana died this year
5. What countries did you visit?
Just Australia. Next year will be a different story...!
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A husband...! :-)
7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Probably my birthday. Turning 35 wasn't as good as turning 34 had been the year before! Definitely got a lot harder to say out loud!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Actually starting a savings plan (now if I could just stick to it...!)
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not sticking to my savings plan as I should have!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No illnesses, but I did some ligament damage to my knee which wasn't too much fun
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My laptop, definitely!
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
It would have to be all the volunteers who helped out in The Gap after the storms in Brisbane
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Can't think of anyone...
14. Where did most of your money go?
Ummm....into my savings account?? :-/
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Plans coming together for move to London in 2009
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
"Open Your Eyes" by Snow Patrol or "Pictures of You" by The Last Goodnight
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?
Happier, generally (if you don't count still having to go to work!!)
ii. thinner or fatter?
Thinner - yay!!
iii. richer or poorer?
Richer...mostly!
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
More saving, less spending! Spending time with friends and making new ones
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
WORKING!!
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Spent Christmas with mum, dad and nana. Just a quiet day since my sister, brother-in-law and niece were in the US
22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
No...but isn't there still 10 and a half hours to go??!
23. How many one-night stands?
None - not really my style!
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Lost
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No. Hating people is never good
26. What was the best book you read this year?
Twilight. Oh, and finally read Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion by Jane Austen - both great reads!
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Sugarush Beat Company - go Jaz!
28. What did you want and get?
Got closer to moving overseas, funded largely by my boring job!
29. What did you want and not get?
A job that wasn't boring!!
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
OK. Am just going to say it...High School Musical 3! I know...but I did see it with my 9 year old niece (if that, in any way, makes it less sad!!)
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Spent the day at work and turned 35
32. What's one thing that would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Discovering sooner that I didn't have to be a receptionist for the rest of my life!
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Black and white. I need a lot more colour in my life!
34. What kept you sane?
Having internet access at work!
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I love Ewan McGregor! I can't help it...! :-)
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
I think the US Presidential Election - maybe because it was on the news so much, but it really felt like witnessing a great moment in history when Obama was elected
37. Who did you miss?
I really miss my friends in Adelaide...and the crazy road trips!
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Too many great people to count!
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Life is too short - follow your dreams
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"London calling, to the faraway towns..."
Happy New Year everyone!
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Started my very own blog
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't like to make New Year's resolutions as I'm notorious for never following through. I did make a start on losing weight which I will continue into this year (it's taking a little longer than planned!)
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, but there are babies on the way!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes. My nana died this year
5. What countries did you visit?
Just Australia. Next year will be a different story...!
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A husband...! :-)
7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Probably my birthday. Turning 35 wasn't as good as turning 34 had been the year before! Definitely got a lot harder to say out loud!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Actually starting a savings plan (now if I could just stick to it...!)
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not sticking to my savings plan as I should have!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No illnesses, but I did some ligament damage to my knee which wasn't too much fun
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My laptop, definitely!
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
It would have to be all the volunteers who helped out in The Gap after the storms in Brisbane
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Can't think of anyone...
14. Where did most of your money go?
Ummm....into my savings account?? :-/
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Plans coming together for move to London in 2009
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
"Open Your Eyes" by Snow Patrol or "Pictures of You" by The Last Goodnight
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?
Happier, generally (if you don't count still having to go to work!!)
ii. thinner or fatter?
Thinner - yay!!
iii. richer or poorer?
Richer...mostly!
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
More saving, less spending! Spending time with friends and making new ones
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
WORKING!!
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Spent Christmas with mum, dad and nana. Just a quiet day since my sister, brother-in-law and niece were in the US
22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
No...but isn't there still 10 and a half hours to go??!
23. How many one-night stands?
None - not really my style!
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Lost
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No. Hating people is never good
26. What was the best book you read this year?
Twilight. Oh, and finally read Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion by Jane Austen - both great reads!
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Sugarush Beat Company - go Jaz!
28. What did you want and get?
Got closer to moving overseas, funded largely by my boring job!
29. What did you want and not get?
A job that wasn't boring!!
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
OK. Am just going to say it...High School Musical 3! I know...but I did see it with my 9 year old niece (if that, in any way, makes it less sad!!)
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Spent the day at work and turned 35
32. What's one thing that would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Discovering sooner that I didn't have to be a receptionist for the rest of my life!
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Black and white. I need a lot more colour in my life!
34. What kept you sane?
Having internet access at work!
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I love Ewan McGregor! I can't help it...! :-)
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
I think the US Presidential Election - maybe because it was on the news so much, but it really felt like witnessing a great moment in history when Obama was elected
37. Who did you miss?
I really miss my friends in Adelaide...and the crazy road trips!
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Too many great people to count!
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Life is too short - follow your dreams
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"London calling, to the faraway towns..."
Happy New Year everyone!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Twilight - The Movie
While I am hiding inside today, avoiding all contact with the sun (in a totally non-vampire kind of way, thanks to the extent of my sunburn!), I thought I would say that I finally saw Twilight at the cinema last week.
Loved it, loved it!!
I left it a few weeks to see it mainly to avoid the giggling teenage girls going mad for Edward, and pretty much had the cinema to myself.
It was a fantastic movie, great even if you haven't read the books. I couldn't help but compare it to the book (as you do) and most of it was like I imagined.
My favorite part? That would be Jacob. Always a fan of the underdog (pardon the pun - for those who have read the series!), I'm glad they cast his character as they did. Oh, and Edward wasn't bad, either...!
Loved it, loved it!!
I left it a few weeks to see it mainly to avoid the giggling teenage girls going mad for Edward, and pretty much had the cinema to myself.
It was a fantastic movie, great even if you haven't read the books. I couldn't help but compare it to the book (as you do) and most of it was like I imagined.
My favorite part? That would be Jacob. Always a fan of the underdog (pardon the pun - for those who have read the series!), I'm glad they cast his character as they did. Oh, and Edward wasn't bad, either...!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Why do I do it?
OK, I know most people have in their head the idea that all Aussies are tanned. Well, this is so not me!
I am "lucky" enough to have that pale English complexion - you know, the kind that looks like I haven't seen the sun in years.
I spent the day at Noosa today, which is a gorgeous town up on the Sunshine Coast, about 2 hours drive north of Brisbane. In preparation for the day, I remembered to slip, slop, slap (actually, I couldn't find my hat so I just slipped and slopped!). Once we parked the car halfway up a mountain and walked to find our friends at the far end of the beach, I was already burnt!
I got into the shade as soon as I could, but the damage was already done. It was too late for me!
Being the pale creature I am, I tend to burn, peel and then go white again, and burn in patches.
So, now I'm at home, wishing I had some aloe vera gel and looking at my skin that resembles a red and white patchwork quilt.
Why do I do it? Because I'm Australian...and living under some delusion that one day I will live up to the stereotype!
Friday, December 26, 2008
So this is Christmas...
Well, I had a great Christmas yesterday. I spent the day with my mum, dad and nana. It was a quiet one and none of us over ate or even fell asleep in the afternoon!
Mum made homemade fruit mince pies and we ate these while opening our presents. For lunch, we had roast turkey and pork with roast veggies, followed by pudding and custard for dessert.
During lunch, we called my sister, brother-in-law and niece who were shivering in the snow up in Vermont. They are having a great time and are off to New York today.
After lunch, we all sat down to watch Christmas Day TV, which is always "interesting" - you've gotta love those Hallmark movies!
I came away with a great haul of presents and over all it was a really good day.
Mum made homemade fruit mince pies and we ate these while opening our presents. For lunch, we had roast turkey and pork with roast veggies, followed by pudding and custard for dessert.
During lunch, we called my sister, brother-in-law and niece who were shivering in the snow up in Vermont. They are having a great time and are off to New York today.
After lunch, we all sat down to watch Christmas Day TV, which is always "interesting" - you've gotta love those Hallmark movies!
I came away with a great haul of presents and over all it was a really good day.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
It's Christmas Eve, babe...
Christmas Eve is finally here and at this very moment most of my family is preparing for their first white Christmas in the far reaches of Vermont, USA...while I am trying to stay cool and waiting for the summer afternoon storms to roll in.
My shopping has all been bought. My presents have all been wrapped. My money has all been spent.
I feel like I can breathe out now. I am on holidays from work and all the hard work seems to be behind me.
I am off to Carols tonight at church and then tomorrow I will spend the day with my parents. I love this time of year!
Merry Christmas....everyone!
My shopping has all been bought. My presents have all been wrapped. My money has all been spent.
I feel like I can breathe out now. I am on holidays from work and all the hard work seems to be behind me.
I am off to Carols tonight at church and then tomorrow I will spend the day with my parents. I love this time of year!
Merry Christmas....everyone!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Random Acts of (Christmas) Kindness
Ever since the snake episode, I have been nervous about the length of the grass in the front yard, imagining all sorts of long, fang-wielding creatures lurking there, waiting for my unsuspecting foot to casually step out of my car door.
As I am housesitting at the moment, and using the excuse of not knowing how to operate their lawnmower, I have been putting off the task of actually doing something about the lawn.
Imagine my surprise when I get home from work last night to find the front lawn has been mowed! Some kindly neighbour has decided out of the goodness of their heart (or the fact that it was by far the highest grass in the whole street!) to mow the lawn for me.
To me, it's these kinds of things that make it feel like Christmas. The little things, the random acts of kindness. It warms my heart!
I'm not sure who is responsible, but I would like to say a huge "thank you" to whoever it may have been.
I like to think it was the elves...
As I am housesitting at the moment, and using the excuse of not knowing how to operate their lawnmower, I have been putting off the task of actually doing something about the lawn.
Imagine my surprise when I get home from work last night to find the front lawn has been mowed! Some kindly neighbour has decided out of the goodness of their heart (or the fact that it was by far the highest grass in the whole street!) to mow the lawn for me.
To me, it's these kinds of things that make it feel like Christmas. The little things, the random acts of kindness. It warms my heart!
I'm not sure who is responsible, but I would like to say a huge "thank you" to whoever it may have been.
I like to think it was the elves...
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Update on the snake...
I found out today that the snake I found in the backyard died two days after he was taken away, and in spite of myself, I felt a little sad....
Friday, December 19, 2008
Losing it
What a week! Work has been particularly awful this week - or it may just be how I was looking at work this week that made it so awful.
You see, it's the last week before Christmas, the office will be closed from next Tuesday and everyone has left it all to the last minute. Now I work in an office full of men. Not to attack the male gender as a whole, but this particular group of men have very little clue about what it takes to run an office. Oh, sure, all those lunch "meetings", networking functions and brainstorming board meetings are important, but when it come down to the day to day work, it's the faithful, hard-working admin staff that actually keep the office running.
Now, when God made us admin staff, were we the only ones to whom he gave a brain that can work out the complex process of filling the copier, changing the toner cartridge, actually putting our own coffee cup in the dishwasher? That seems to be the case. And so, day after day, we answer the calls - "There's no paper in the copier" (to which we reply, in our heads, of course, "you know, there won't be paper in the copier unless you put it in there yourself"), "The coffee machine is beeping", "There is a paper jam", and the list goes on and on...
As you can probably tell, I am not having the best week.
It has had it's good points, though.
I haven't mentioned it yet, but as my title says, I am working on changing myself. I am at Weight Watchers and I have got some weight to shift before I move overseas. Now that my goal has possibly been brought closer, I have stepped it up and am happy to say that my temper is not the only thing I have lost this week! Still a "little" way to go!!
And now to all those faithful, diligent, hard working, loyal, polite, efficient, talented, organised, patient, understanding, tolerant admin staff everywhere, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas - because we all know that Christmas just would not happen without you!
You see, it's the last week before Christmas, the office will be closed from next Tuesday and everyone has left it all to the last minute. Now I work in an office full of men. Not to attack the male gender as a whole, but this particular group of men have very little clue about what it takes to run an office. Oh, sure, all those lunch "meetings", networking functions and brainstorming board meetings are important, but when it come down to the day to day work, it's the faithful, hard-working admin staff that actually keep the office running.
Now, when God made us admin staff, were we the only ones to whom he gave a brain that can work out the complex process of filling the copier, changing the toner cartridge, actually putting our own coffee cup in the dishwasher? That seems to be the case. And so, day after day, we answer the calls - "There's no paper in the copier" (to which we reply, in our heads, of course, "you know, there won't be paper in the copier unless you put it in there yourself"), "The coffee machine is beeping", "There is a paper jam", and the list goes on and on...
As you can probably tell, I am not having the best week.
It has had it's good points, though.
I haven't mentioned it yet, but as my title says, I am working on changing myself. I am at Weight Watchers and I have got some weight to shift before I move overseas. Now that my goal has possibly been brought closer, I have stepped it up and am happy to say that my temper is not the only thing I have lost this week! Still a "little" way to go!!
And now to all those faithful, diligent, hard working, loyal, polite, efficient, talented, organised, patient, understanding, tolerant admin staff everywhere, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas - because we all know that Christmas just would not happen without you!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Progress
I got a phone call today that could change everything.
It turns out that a job I am very interested in in London, needs me to start a lot sooner than I had planned, which of course, is amazing! But also a little bit scary.
The job is my ideal job. It will be a combination of a nanny / PA role which actually suits me to a tee. Even though I am looking to change careers and jump head first into the whole nanny thing, a role where I can still use the skills I have gained over the past 10 years would be perfect.
Now, before I get ahead of myself, the final plans are still up in the air and I have no definite dates, but my dream is starting to look clearer. If all goes to plan, I could be off in the next couple of months. The next couple of months....!!
For the impatient side of myself, that is great news. For the planning side of me, not so much! My brain has been working overtime thinking of all the things left to do and those horrible bills that need paying off. I am selling all my furniture and stuff in my mind at the moment and finding it very hard to concentrate on work.
So, in the spirit of not getting my hopes up....
I'm off to London, I'm off to London, I'm off to London!!!!!!!!! WOO-HOO!!
(Sorry - couldn't resist!)
It turns out that a job I am very interested in in London, needs me to start a lot sooner than I had planned, which of course, is amazing! But also a little bit scary.
The job is my ideal job. It will be a combination of a nanny / PA role which actually suits me to a tee. Even though I am looking to change careers and jump head first into the whole nanny thing, a role where I can still use the skills I have gained over the past 10 years would be perfect.
Now, before I get ahead of myself, the final plans are still up in the air and I have no definite dates, but my dream is starting to look clearer. If all goes to plan, I could be off in the next couple of months. The next couple of months....!!
For the impatient side of myself, that is great news. For the planning side of me, not so much! My brain has been working overtime thinking of all the things left to do and those horrible bills that need paying off. I am selling all my furniture and stuff in my mind at the moment and finding it very hard to concentrate on work.
So, in the spirit of not getting my hopes up....
I'm off to London, I'm off to London, I'm off to London!!!!!!!!! WOO-HOO!!
(Sorry - couldn't resist!)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Twilight
Twilight comes to the cinema on Thusday.
Finally!!
Well, I haven't really been waiting that long - I only started reading the books by Stephenie Meyer a few months ago, after reading about them on Jessica's blog - Jessica's OE. And now the movie is out and I can't wait!
If you haven't read them, get your hands on a copy now! A great read and very hard to put down.
Finally!!
Well, I haven't really been waiting that long - I only started reading the books by Stephenie Meyer a few months ago, after reading about them on Jessica's blog - Jessica's OE. And now the movie is out and I can't wait!
If you haven't read them, get your hands on a copy now! A great read and very hard to put down.
Snake
I am Australian. I live in a land filled with dangerous creatures. I should be able to handle having a snake in my backyard. I should. But no, I can't!
Last night, with a house full of guests, I discovered a snake in my backyard. Max, our lovely German Shepherd, was barking and barking and so I went to investigate and found the snake coiled near the retaining wall. When I say discovered, I really mean peering out through the darkness from the safety of the back step. Yes, I am a girl. I am a city girl. And this is probably only the second time in my whole life that I have seen a snake in the flesh (?). And I didn't handle it well.
I jumped on the phone to call my mum. Not sure what she could do as she hates snakes more than me. Luckily, she was able to be calm, not being in close proximity to the snake. Me? I was not so calm. I proceeded to burst into tears (such a girl!).
Having a house full of guests turned out to my advantage as it was mostly guys who were suddenly fascinated by the snake and eager to have a go at catching the thing - or to stand by and watch. All the girls were still safely inside the house!
In the end, I called the snake catcher in and he came and carried off the snake in a hessian bag to "rehome" him elsewhere. I just hope it's a long way elsewhere.
But, I am pleased to report, since I am housesitting at my sister's, both her chooks are still alive.
Great. I "love" chooks too (roast chicken, chicken nuggets....)
Do I need to mention that the snake was a harmless python? No? Ok, then I won't....
Last night, with a house full of guests, I discovered a snake in my backyard. Max, our lovely German Shepherd, was barking and barking and so I went to investigate and found the snake coiled near the retaining wall. When I say discovered, I really mean peering out through the darkness from the safety of the back step. Yes, I am a girl. I am a city girl. And this is probably only the second time in my whole life that I have seen a snake in the flesh (?). And I didn't handle it well.
I jumped on the phone to call my mum. Not sure what she could do as she hates snakes more than me. Luckily, she was able to be calm, not being in close proximity to the snake. Me? I was not so calm. I proceeded to burst into tears (such a girl!).
Having a house full of guests turned out to my advantage as it was mostly guys who were suddenly fascinated by the snake and eager to have a go at catching the thing - or to stand by and watch. All the girls were still safely inside the house!
In the end, I called the snake catcher in and he came and carried off the snake in a hessian bag to "rehome" him elsewhere. I just hope it's a long way elsewhere.
But, I am pleased to report, since I am housesitting at my sister's, both her chooks are still alive.
Great. I "love" chooks too (roast chicken, chicken nuggets....)
Do I need to mention that the snake was a harmless python? No? Ok, then I won't....
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Moving...sort of
OK, so things are not moving fast on the BIG move, but they are certainly happening at home.
Several weeks ago, Brisbane was hit with some really severe storms and while I thought I had managed to get off fairly lightly in regards to damage, it turns out it was not to be.
Apparently, most of my interior walls need to be ripped out and refitted due to quite a bit of moisture and water trapped inside. This is not good. It means I will have to move out for a few weeks while to work is being done.
Fortunately, I am due to housesit for the next three weeks as my sister, brother-in-law and niece are off to the States for Christmas, so all we need to do is find a builder who can do the work now...three weeks out from Christmas. Hmmm. Should be easy, right?
I'll find out tomorrow if they can fix it now, so I have spend most of today packing and moving, but with no exciting move to London at the end of it. Oh, well. Gives me a chance to sort through stuff and throw things out. Well, it would if I could be bothered!
It's hot today and I would much rather sit here and blog with my fan on high, than face all those decisions on what to keep, what to throw away, what to give away and what I'll need between now and when I do finally pack up and move for real. It's too hard. It's too hot. It'll all wait until tomorrow....
Oh yeah, did I mention that I am a procrastinator as well as being extremely impatient?
Several weeks ago, Brisbane was hit with some really severe storms and while I thought I had managed to get off fairly lightly in regards to damage, it turns out it was not to be.
Apparently, most of my interior walls need to be ripped out and refitted due to quite a bit of moisture and water trapped inside. This is not good. It means I will have to move out for a few weeks while to work is being done.
Fortunately, I am due to housesit for the next three weeks as my sister, brother-in-law and niece are off to the States for Christmas, so all we need to do is find a builder who can do the work now...three weeks out from Christmas. Hmmm. Should be easy, right?
I'll find out tomorrow if they can fix it now, so I have spend most of today packing and moving, but with no exciting move to London at the end of it. Oh, well. Gives me a chance to sort through stuff and throw things out. Well, it would if I could be bothered!
It's hot today and I would much rather sit here and blog with my fan on high, than face all those decisions on what to keep, what to throw away, what to give away and what I'll need between now and when I do finally pack up and move for real. It's too hard. It's too hot. It'll all wait until tomorrow....
Oh yeah, did I mention that I am a procrastinator as well as being extremely impatient?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The waiting is the hardest part
I haven't blogged too much about how my plans for moving to the UK are going and that's because not much is happening...at all!
I am in the stage of saving like mad and waiting to apply for my Visa, so on the outside it looks like nothing is happening. Very frustrating.
I have never had much patience and those who know me will whole-heartedly agree. So it comes as no surprise that I am finding this particular stage of my journey difficult. Add to that, a job that does not require much of me at all (read as: extremely boring and monotonous!) and it all works to drag the time out longer and longer.
That doesn't mean my mind hasn't been racing ahead with all the stuff I need to do before I go, and all the stuff I want to do when I get there. I have done it all before - it should be easy, right? This time feels different for whatever reason.
Little things like when I was at the hairdresser on the weekend, she talked me into a new shampoo and my first thought was, 'Will they sell that brand in the UK?'. I mean, why get used to a new shampoo if you just have to change again? It's these sort of things that are going through my head at the moment and at the oddest times.
But my plans are coming along, albeit slowly. It's like the old saying, "Lord, give me patience, but give it to me now"!
So those of you hoping to read about an Aussie girl braving new frontiers, starting over in a far away land, you'll have to wait a bit longer yet. Hey, if I can wait, then anyone can!! I promise to keep you updated on my progress and hopefully find some interesting things to post along the way.
Until then....
...here's one for the road!
I am in the stage of saving like mad and waiting to apply for my Visa, so on the outside it looks like nothing is happening. Very frustrating.
I have never had much patience and those who know me will whole-heartedly agree. So it comes as no surprise that I am finding this particular stage of my journey difficult. Add to that, a job that does not require much of me at all (read as: extremely boring and monotonous!) and it all works to drag the time out longer and longer.
That doesn't mean my mind hasn't been racing ahead with all the stuff I need to do before I go, and all the stuff I want to do when I get there. I have done it all before - it should be easy, right? This time feels different for whatever reason.
Little things like when I was at the hairdresser on the weekend, she talked me into a new shampoo and my first thought was, 'Will they sell that brand in the UK?'. I mean, why get used to a new shampoo if you just have to change again? It's these sort of things that are going through my head at the moment and at the oddest times.
But my plans are coming along, albeit slowly. It's like the old saying, "Lord, give me patience, but give it to me now"!
So those of you hoping to read about an Aussie girl braving new frontiers, starting over in a far away land, you'll have to wait a bit longer yet. Hey, if I can wait, then anyone can!! I promise to keep you updated on my progress and hopefully find some interesting things to post along the way.
Until then....
...here's one for the road!
Monday, December 1, 2008
100 things
Thanks to Jessica at Jessica's OE for this one! Love these!
Basically, you bold the things on the list that you've done:
100 Things
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland (does DisneyWorld count??)
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Totally copied a post from someone else's blog to your own
Ok, so 40 things are not too bad!! Give it a go!
Basically, you bold the things on the list that you've done:
100 Things
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland (does DisneyWorld count??)
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Totally copied a post from someone else's blog to your own
Ok, so 40 things are not too bad!! Give it a go!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)