not quite californian

Laugh Kookaburra Laugh

2012-01-20T02:37:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in a while, but I have my reasons.

We've been back "down under" for a month now. I'm still coming to grips with being home. It feels surreal. It still hasn't sunk in that I'm actually (finally) home. Do I miss America? I get asked that a lot. I'm a horrible liar. I should work at being more gracious. I don't hate America is my honest answer. But I resent that I lived there so long. I don't say that part, only on my blog. I talk about the things that I enjoyed about America. The truth is we stayed past my living-in-America-threshold. My feeling is that I never want to live there again, only visit.

People keep saying things like "you must be ecstatic to be home". I am. It also feels incredibly normal. It doesn't feel like I never left. I do feel like I was away a long time, and changed somewhat. The way I think has changed. I'm grateful to have had such an amount of exposure to another culture.

So since being home I've delighted in the little things. Hearing kookaburra's at random hours. Hearing cicadas singing when I wake up in the morning. The beautiful beaches, and hearing the thick Aussie accent all the time. The Aussie accent still sounds very foreign to me - I haven't been home long enough ;)

At the moment we're busy moving into our new apartment. We've secured a nice little two bedroom home by a lovely park. Today we bought a couch and wardrobe, the other day a mattress. The wardrobe was $30 and absolutely huge! Its for the spare room. We're planning on using it as a coat closet. It was a very big wardrobe to move! We're going to have to start working really soon! Our money isn't worth as much as we'd hoped over here!

I will write more when I'm less tired and feeling more inspired. For now I'm still feeling like I'm getting back into the groove of things. Its a strange, but altogether very nice feeling.

You search on the roll... with your fingernails...

2011-12-12T08:19:00.000-08:00

Daniel and I have been watching a lot of Flight of the Concords lately. The Tape of Love song is my favorite. Its been going through my head constantly!

Its very strange that I'm flying overseas next week. It feels very weird indeed. Yesterday I was confused, thinking it was this week. But no, its Wednesday next week on December 21st.

Almost everything is packed. We still have a fair bit to do. We'll have to stay up late tonight and Tuesday, then wake up really early on Wednesday morning. Wednesday we are going to a friend's house for a week.

All in all I'm very excited!

Found!

2011-12-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

For the last year I have been in search of the perfect faux jacket. And now I have found it! It was the one last thing I was looking for before I moved home.

The home stretch

2011-12-01T22:36:00.000-08:00

In three weeks time I'll be on the plane to go home. I can't explain the amount of excitement and anticipation I'm feeling. I'm wondering what it will feel like to wake up and be home, day in and day out and not for a couple of weeks, but for good, knowing I don't have to leave home anytime soon. It feels like a big gift I'm being given.

In the last five years I've gone home 3 times. The first 2 times were within the first year of living in America. The 3rd time was almost 3 years ago. Had I visited more, maybe my feelings would have been different. We had always planned to move back, so didn't see the point in making too many visits. A 2 year stint in America quickly turned into 5. Time sure flies.

I have a couple of regrets, but all in all I'm happy for this experience. You live and you learn. There are some things I'd do differently. But we can't change the past, only learn from mistakes.

I wonder if it will feel strange to feel at home again. I'm trying to imagine what it will be like to wake up and know I'm back in my homeland. I wonder what it will feel like to be surrounded by Australians, to sound the same as everyone else. Well, almost. There's no hiding the hint of American twang happening these days. The last year my accent has changed just a little. Sometimes I catch myself pronouncing a sharp R in my words. Two weeks of home and that will disappear.

For now, I'm liking a pair of D&G sunglasses. The code is DG4035 if you're interested in looking them up. I tried them on in black and they were amazing. Very Hollywood. I love some glamour;)

The November List

2011-11-15T15:15:00.000-08:00

I recently added this purple blouse and black and brown leather skirts to my closest. I got them on a tremendous sale at the fraction of their original cost. Leather midi skirts have been all over the runway and I for one am loving the edge they bring to a normally conservative outfit. Besides all the shoes I am coveting I'm yet to find the perfect faux fur coat. Fur coats are so luxurious. I'd never buy real fur due to lack of funds and I might have PETA after me ;) All the faux fur coats I have tried on have ended up being a little boxy which isn't the best for my figure. So I'm on the hunt (no pun intended) for a longer faux fur coat.

Last night I started watching Woody Allen's "Alice" with Mia Farrow. I love her mink coat in it. I'm really enjoying the movie and am excited to watch the rest of it tonight!

Here's some things I'm coveting lately:-

These shoes are adorable. I'm thinking patterned tights, or black fishnets with these:-

Purple tights with these ones! Or socks. I haven't figured out what color yet:-

I love suede shoes. So rich looking:-

These fabulous sunglasses have been on my want list for quite some time!

These are to die for:-

Red Tide

2011-09-26T16:25:00.001-07:00

Last night was really fun. Daniel and I played Caylus and then I was ready to hit the sack. I’m a bit of an early bird in terms of bedtime. I like to be in bed by 11pm. Anything after that and I get pretty tired. I figured that out about myself many years ago, but now that I’m no longer in my 20’s I seem to need my sleep a little more. Or maybe I’ve just realized what suits me. There’s no more nights where I have just 4 hours of sleep then wake up at 7am full of adrenalin and ready for the day. I used to be able to do that for a few nights in a row with no consequences. These days – I like and need my sleep. I think as you mature you realize what you need in your life. For me that is 8 hours sleep every night, thank you very much!

After the game Daniel said he wanted to show me the “red tide”. I hesitated, feeling more inclined to go to bed. Instead I agreed, since its not very often my husband suggests a walk on the beach at night. I love to walk on the beach at night. We’ll often go down after dark for a stroll. Hardly anyone is around at night and its peaceful. Its just the two of us, our chatter and holding hands. The red tide was incredible! I was so happy we went down to see it. In the day the water looks red, but at night time you cannot see the color of the water. The water and the dark sky blend into each other, erasing the horizon. Out of nowhere suddenly come white clouds of waves which look as though they have been hit by an electrical storm. Its amazing! The waves are fluorescent with the red tide. Crazy!

Saturday was nice. Daniel and I went down to San Diego and visited a historic house. It was down near Balboa Park. We did a tour then walked the streets from Balboa to Hillcrest. It was sunny with only a slight crispness to the air, which I love. The area near Balboa Park is so green and leafy. The streets are lined with trees and have a lot of older homes. We had coffee and gelato at this little Italian café. I went and got my eyebrows threaded. We walked some more and eventually decided to get dinner at a new organic pizza place. The salad and pizza were superb. They served craft beer. The vegetables in the salad were so fresh and rich, the salad didn’t even need dressing. So unlike the vegetables bought at the supermarket. Saturday was a fun day. Then yesterday we took Daniel’s Nana out for lunch, came home, ended up sleeping for a couple of hours! Then we did some packing. After that was the beach walk.

That was our weekend in a nutshell. I’ve decided to keep this blog in Australia. After all, I’ll always be not quite Californian ;)
(And I can't think of a name I like any better!)

Three months but whose counting

2011-09-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

I have decided to work right up until we leave. Until December 16th. I figure I might as well work as much as possible here since I have a well paying job here in the States, and I don’t know when I’ll find a job that’s a keeper in Australia. I’m planning on taking a three month break when we get to Sydney. We’ll see how that goes. Yesterday I got all practical and was looking up jobs already. I’m worried I’ll look at jobs when we get there and find something I like, and will want to take it. I’m not a workaholic, but I’m a wannabe slacker who never delivers. I get all practical and think about finances. I could never be “looked after”. The other day my MIL said to me “I can’t work because it takes over my life and I can’t keep a balance”. I thought it was a cop-out. My inlaws are staying with people at the moment because they have no money and my MIL refuses to work. I told her that sometimes it’s a necessity to work and its important to pay the bills and compartmentalize our focus and time. Work is work, but in your lunchbreak and home time – that’s your time that your boss will not pay you for! Its hard to find balance sometimes, especially if you work full time, but a necessity. Who wants to get to 80 years old and realize they spent their life dedicated to “the man”? Lately I have been worried about my inlaws and how they’ll cope as they get older. They are good and kind people people. My mil is a good woman, but feels that she should be looked after and catered to by her husband and sons. I have a hard time with that. I believe that women too have a responsibility to help the family financially. I’d love to sit back and relax too and not have to worry about making a living – but it’s a part of life these days, unless we have a very wealthy husband! Thoughts?

Anyway, we are starting to pack up our apartment. We’ve slowly been getting rid of things. I’m looking forward to having less “stuff” and taking more of a minimalistic approach to living. Moving is a good time to start afresh. Daniel and I both have goals we’re looking forward to working towards finally.

To be honest, I’m most excited about seeing Australia through more appreciative eyes. I will appreciate feeling at home more than ever I suspect.

For now its about America. I can’t believe we’re only here three more months. People are asking me if I’m sad to leave America. I wish I felt a twinge of sadness, but I don’t. I’ve been ready to go for a couple of years. I only feel happiness, excitement and anticipation. Three months can’t come around quickly enough. I feel bad that I don’t feel a sense of loss. I know there will be no tears on my part. I love the friends I have made here but don’t like the area we live in. I wonder if I would have enjoyed this five year experience more if we’d lived in another part of America.

This week we’re telling the parents we have booked our tickets. We booked our tickets a couple of months ago but have been holding off telling them. Hopefully it will be without too much drama. I doubt it though.

Checking Out

2011-08-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

I'm not talking grocery shopping...

When I left Australia almost five years ago I remember six months before leaving I “checked out”. In my head I was leaving and I had my fiancé and our up and coming wedding on my mind.

In four months we’re moving to Australia. We’ve been planning this for some time. Its long overdue. We’ve been waiting around for my brother inlaw to get married. That’s happening at the end of October! Applying for Visa’s and waiting to be at a point where we were somewhat financially stable took a while. But now we’re there and very excited!

I promised myself I wouldn’t check out like I did last time. When you plan something like this your head is wherever you will be physically in said number of months. I’ve already checked out a little. I’ve been arriving late for work. My boss knows I’m leaving. I don’t feel like meeting new people, instead spending quality time with the people I’m already close to here.

Lately I’ve been buying last minute things. Things on my “needs” list that I know will be twice the price in Oz. Eg. A new pair of Tiger Asics. A couple of hoodies. Earphones (see picture!). I’ve been wanting earphones for a while, but kept putting it off. These guys retail at twice the recommended retail price in Australia. I got the white instead of black. I wonder if I’ll regret that in the next couple of years… white just seemed slightly more girly, and less “in the studio”.
I haven’t really got anything left on my list. The only things left on the list are one more bonfire this summer. Have fun with our close friends. Handle our leave with grace and dignity. (note – family issues).

I’m looking at starting a new blog documenting our new lives in Australia. I’m excited to experience my favorite city in the world through changed eyes. Living overseas for a number of years has had quite an impact on me. I’m sure I’ll have a newfound appreciation for my home and those who are nearest and dearest to me.

Here's the deal:- Sennheiser PX 200 ii

“Nothing in fine print is ever good news.” - Andy Rooney

2011-07-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

Except for this. Daniel's Visa was approved! Its happening! Now we're waiting on his little brother to get hitched. He has a month to get engaged (we have not told him this). If it hasn't happened within a month we're not going to stick around. No pressure bro... However we can't plan our lives around his brother.

A move overseas is a little daunting but incredibly exciting. Its not a do-over. But a new start. Sometimes I think back to the kid who left Sydney at 26 years old. That kid has grown up a little, gotten a little more worldly wise - and dare I say it a little American. 5 years in a place will that to ya. I think I used to live inside a bubble. I felt like a kid and it was great. Now, I still feel like a kid at times, but the world seems like a different place now. I wonder how much I'll settle back into my old patterns once on home turf.

Today I was walking on the beach. Summer in SoCal is beautiful. The sand is dirty, but the water is pretty clear. My friend Janelle and I walk together about 2 times a week and have a good chin wag. She's a swell gal and I know my Aussie mates are going to love her. She's an ENFP if any of my friends are reading this. I've realised that a lot of my close-close friends are the ENF's. I'm an ENTP. I haven't met many girls who are an ENTP. Most I've met are SF's or NF's. Although I think my cousin is an INTP - similar to me.

Anyway, we have a few American friends who are just waiting for our move so they can make the trip out to Oz. It'll be fun doing the Blue Mountains thing, camping and introducing them to friends.

Saturday night I made a couple of batches of curry and we had friends over. I like this time of year. We come out of our hibernation and get a little more hospitable. We're yet to have beach bonfires down at the beach. hopefully soon....

In the meantime I'm going to start using Aussie words again. Otherwise I'll get shredded when we're home. Ketchup? what's ketchup? oh, you mean tomato sauce buddy ;) (i mean "mate")

And it was called yellow

2011-05-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

I'm at work and suddenly I felt quite chipper. Maybe it was the realization that in 45 mins I can go to lunch, buy a cadbury twirl bar, go to favourite coffee shop and drink tea. Its raining moderately and is cool here in SoCal today. I'm grateful for the change in weather. I brought my bright blue rain coat in so I can walk around at lunchtime in the rain. Pity I forgot my Hunter rain boots.

I haven't really bought anything in a long time. Other than tee shirts from American Apparel last week. I hate the company and everything they represent, but I love their tee shirts. Go figure. Anyway, I came across this trench coat. What a great shade of yellow. I can imagine walking around Sydney in this jacket in the rain and feeling quite pleased with myself.

Kakadu You!

2011-04-14T10:12:00.001-07:00

I've been reading a lot of decorating blogs lately and have a huge file of pictures for inspiration. I'm really excited to finally move into a new apartment and decorate it as I like. Our apartment we are in right now is just lovely, very cute, quaint and full of colour, which I like. However I'm ready to put my heart into decorating. Not necessarily spending a lot of money, but slowly over time adding things that I like. I don't feel the need to fill our new apartment (to be) with furniture straight away. Rather to get something for the apartment if it sings to me. I'm not getting a couch until I find one I'm in love with. We'll buy a mattress straight away. But we'll be using cardboard boxes and borrowed fold out chairs until we find things that work (aka that I like). I'm so excited for the impending and ongoing project that is coming up. We didn't do a whole lot with the apartment we're in, knowing that we'd eventually leave. We also didn't realize we'd live here a full five years. We thought it would be 2 years. Time flies though.

It looks like we're set to leave the US at the end of the year. We were planning on leaving in September, but my brother inlaw and his girlfriend will probably marry around October/November time. We want to be here for their engagement and see them when they get back.

I'm so excited for many things. I'm itching to get a dog or (hypoallergenic!) cat. I need something to love and take care of. I've been telling my husband he'd better let me get a pet soon, before I start saying I want children! haha. But in all seriousness, the need to love and care for something, whether a child or pet kicks in for many women at around 30. Right now, all I want is a pet. A medium sized dog and I'll be happy.

We were talking about Australia last night and exploring the unknown country. So much of its unknown to me. We're hoping our friend Nathan comes out in the next 2 years. We're planning on going to Kakadu to go camping. Then visit Broome and the north of Western Australia, possibly driving south to Perth, through Monkey Mia and then Geraldton. We'd need a good 3 weeks for that. The thought of being in the bush, by beautiful gorges in the blistering heat thrills me. In the north of WA there are the most amazing thunderstorms in the afternoon. Especially in the wet season. The sky turns a brilliant shade of purple. It starts to rain lightly yet its warm outside. The rain is a relief. In the distance the sky gets angry and you're on a dirt road with dirt thats almost red in colour. You're surrounded by the bush and see the occasional kangaroo or emu. I remember driving away from such thunderstorms, and emu's passing us while we drive in the landcruiser. Australia is the most beautiful country that I'm still in love with. I've never gotten it out of my system. I was talking about it to a gal I'd just met. She said "you'll stay here. people always end up staying in california". She asked me about Australia and what its like. I described the outback and the beaches. She smiled and said "sounds like you'll go home. Your heart is still there". While I'm looking forward to living in Sydney, its WA that I want to explore. Its so untouched. The beaches there are incredible. They are different to beaches on the East Coast of Australia. The water is clearer, the sand whiter, and they are much less populated.

I'm not saying living in Australia will be perfect. It'll be a nice change though. There's no place like home. I'm feeling hesitant to leave America in some ways. 5 years is a big chunk of my life. I love certain things about it here. But I'm eager for change. For the unknown.

Putting our roots down finally will be nice, instead of feeling so temporary. I think I lived so "temporarily" here because I wanted to feel like I was going home "next year". It was always next year. And now it finally is this year. Granted at the end of the year!

Tomorrow's a new day, with no mistakes

2011-03-27T20:44:00.001-07:00

Tonight my heart broke a little and I'm feeling a mixture of emotions. One of my closest friends has had a painful experience. I have been where she's at and know that no matter how much I try to be there, its going to take time to heal wounds. When you're close with someone you feel a little of what they're feeling. You can't help but take on some of those emotions, and feel indignation on their behalf, sadness and wanting to comfort as much as you can. My friend is a beautiful person, and I know she'll be just fine. Its just hard right now.

Tonight Daniel and I finished all our Australian paperwork. We're sending it to the Australian Immigration Dept tomorrow. I have such mixed feelings. I feel very emotional about it all. I don't want to leave my friends and the people I love here. I can't imagine my day to day life without certain people in it. But at the same time I'm ready to be back in Australia. I can hardly imagine what it will be like to be home again. I'm glad that I lived here making the most of this experience. I feel like I had a few moments of homesickness, but they were just a few moments compared to the actual amount of time I have spent here. We've had some wonderful times here. I feel that all in all I took what I could and ran with it. Its my intent to make the next six months here really count. To love it, and enjoy it thoroughly. To leave with a bang. By the time we leave I'll have lived here 5 years. Thats a big part of my life, and it will always be with me. A small part of me is just a little (only a little!) Californian ;) Although I wouldn't freely admit that in person (only on the internet!).

Despite my friend's sadness, I had the most lovely day with her and other friends. We babysat for a friend and had an awesome time with their son, a wonderful child with an interesting and lively personality. I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon we had with him. What a great day.

Photorama

2011-03-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of photos from our family photo session taken last month.

Flowers in the Window

2011-03-09T20:40:00.000-08:00

Today was a perfectly lovely day. My day off. It was sunny and warm in Socal. It was nice to have a bright day and have the chance to be outdoors. I went out with friends in the morning. When we were done at noon I went over to Trader Joe's and got a salad. Sat by the pier and enjoyed the sun and slight breeze. After that went for my massage. I've been getting massages once a week since we got back from our big trip. My shoulder still isn't doing well. I'm avoiding an operation like the plague! I seem to maintain the pain ok with physical therapy and massage. Expensive yes. I'm afraid an operation could cause other problems. Anyway after my massage went home, made dinner (bbq pulled pork sandwiches with corn on the cob on the side - very American!) then went to the gym. A change in pace today was so nice. I'm feeling a little stressed and am not enjoying my job right now. I know we all go through that feeling. My job is difficult, and I struggle understanding some things about it sometimes. I'm in IT and its not something I find super easy. I go through my ups and downs and work - like we all day! Needless to say, days like today and the weekends prove to be such a nice relief. The change in pace is always so welcome, and to be outside. Daniel often wants to do things inside like play boardgames, watch tv. On the weekends all I want is to be outside! So maybe I'll organize a hike in the next couple of weekends.

Liking...

2011-03-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

Live Deliberately

2011-02-26T17:05:00.000-08:00

“I went to the woods because I wanted to live deliberately, I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, To put to rout all that was not life and not when I had come to die Discover that I had not lived.” - Henry David Thoreau

Inner beauty

2011-02-25T19:34:00.000-08:00

I found this article to be beautifully written and inspirational.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/beverley-golden/aging-gracefully-in-a-cul_b_826198.html

We live in a world so focused on outer beauty, however that is not what defines us. We are not defined by a number on the scale or how pretty we look on any given day, how well dressed we are or how young we look. Some of those things have their place but are not the most important things in life. It is our personality, our interests and hobbies, our passions in life and the way we treat other people, being spiritual women, being gracious and kind. Those are some of the things we'll be remembered for. This article was just wonderful!

Paris J'Taime

2011-02-25T11:09:00.000-08:00

Some thoughts on the French. I enjoyed watching the French. French women smoke a lot. They do not eat a lot. One morning Dan and I were in an American-style bistro for a hearty breakfast for our big day ahead. The first morning we had croissants and coffee. It was fabulous, but did not keep us going for the morning. We were walking all day long, we needed protein! So we're at this American-style bistro/cafe in the Latin Quarter and were promptly greeted by a young American man with Justin Bieber styled hair, with an artsy attitude and who was trying to act too cool to care. Slightly amusing. The gal at the counter was originally from Texas. Super sweet. I got talking to her and asked what the French eat for breakfast. "How do they survive on croissants and coffee? Everywhere we go its croissants and coffee - but we needed eggs this morning, which is why we're here". The Texas lass said that her french friends hardly eat anything! She said "from what I've observed of french women, they eat a croissant in the morning, a salad at lunch, and share a dinner at night. They just don't eat a lot. Me - I need a good breakfast". Our sentiments exactly. I felt a little guilty for eating at an American styled bistro for breakfast, but with 10 hours walking ahead - we needed something hearty. We shared a croissant over morning tea with a coffee!

The croissants in Paris are as fabulous as can be. The bakeries incredible. Tarts, macaroons, pain au chocolate. Mmm. Each day I bought myself something as a treat. One day it was a chocolate tart (life will never be the same again). Another day a pear tart. At night I ate nutella crepes, profiteroles, steak & frites. You name it, I ate it. We walked a good 10 hours each day, which helped work off some of our eating - but not that much eating! Alas, we were in Paris for 3 full days. It has to be experienced as fully as possible.

My favorite part of Paris was the Champs Elysees and Arc de Triomphe. I've been fascinated with that area since I was a kid and studying French. The Eiffel Tower of course is incredibly huge, as is the Louvre. My favorite neighborhood was in the 4th arron - Le Marais. So many good bakeries. I loved the streets of Le Marais. We visited Montmartre, which was lovely but terribly overrun by tourists. That spoiled it a little for me. I don't like to feel like I'm hanging out with tourists :) (oxymoron?) Instead I love to wonder villages and get a real feeling for the place. We stopped in many cafe's to read and drink tea. We walked from the Latin Quarter all the way to Notre Dame, through the Tuileries and up through the Champs Elysees to the Arc De Triomphe. What a walk!!! It was lightly raining, which made the streets beautiful. Walking by the Seine is a real lovely of course. I've always liked Bridges. Yes, bridges. So to be in Paris was exciting for a Bridge lover like myself ;) I liked Pont Neuf a lot. Pont des Artes is one of the famous bridges. I liked it on the Le Marais side of the Seine.

We went to see a ballet at the Garnier Paris Opera House. What a treat! We had a box, which felt very "The Age of Innocence". The Paris Opera House is wonderfully opulent and splendid. The ballet was very moving. It was performed to Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Four Seasons will always sound and feel different to me from now on. What an experience. "Winter" is my personal favorite of the seasons.

The Musee D'Orsay was one of my favorite places to visit. I love impressionist art, and am currently trying to find an art history course to take locally. I'm a big fan of Manet and Renoir's works. To view such wonderful artist's paintings was just fantastic. I've been fortunate enough to have gone to many wonderful exhibitions, including a Renoir exhibition in Los Angeles last year and a Monet exhibition in Perth, along with visiting world renowned art museums. But the Musee d'Orsay and the Louvre really "took the cake" for me.

I'll write later with more Paris reflections.

Thoughts

2011-02-25T10:44:00.000-08:00

I have so much to write about. I wish I had a chance to blog when overseas. Now I'm back in Southern California in my living room with no voice. Its Friday. We got back Thursday night.

England was just lovely. I love England. Its a country that resonates with me and I could happily live in, with Daniel. Unfortunately Daniel doesn't feel the same way. He doesn't mesh with England, just like I don't mesh with California. I have tried for four years, but its not happening. Ce La Vie. I feel like I've overstayed my welcome in California. Or maybe California has overstayed its welcome with me. I know its definitely time to leave because I'm starting to resent this place. When flying back in from England I didn't feel like I was flying home. I felt like I was flying back into a country I didn't want to be in, that I felt nothing for. Either way we've grown tired of each other and being away gave me some wonderful perspective on life. I needed to get out, to enjoy other cultures, to be with my family. I find Americans to be very much "its all about America". Many do not see outside of their Californian world. Not all Californians are like that - in fact, many I know aren't - I have many beautiful friends here. But there are many people who will make comments like "you don't speak properly" "you don't say things the right way". Pah to that. Comments like that get old. I think to myself "do you know how ignorant you sound?" - but whats the point of saying this? Going away reminds me that there are different languages, different accents, different ways of doing things outside of California's bubble of warm weather and "everything is perfect". These things are obvious - and things I've always known of course. But experiencing different cultures was so refreshing. So very needed. I might sound cynical, but thats how it gets when you've outgrown a place. I'm not sure I ever grew into it here. Being away reminded me I can't live my life feeling guilty about living in my home country, for living my life near my own family and friends - and that living here isn't the life for me. I've made a decision to switch off any emotions felt when made to feel guilty about moving back to my home. Because life friends is meant to be enjoyed, to be grasped with both hands and to be made the most of. We cannot live our lives through other people

La Vie En Rose

2011-02-07T13:37:00.000-08:00

Friday we leave for Europe. I'm so excited. For the most part people are excited for us. One person we're close to isn't. But oh well - when life gives you a lemon, make lemonade. Right? Hopefully its not sour lemonade. I'm always baffled when people aren't just happy for you in life. When something nice happens for someone - its the kind thing to be excited for them. Oh well, we all come in different shapes and sizes, right?!

Yesterday we had family pictures. The leadup to it was stressful - way more stressful than it had to be. But its over and done with now. Hopefully the pics come out nicely. I'm sure they will.

So we head to Europe Friday and go straight down to Dorset to visit my parents. I'm looking forward to spending time with them. We're also heading to Paris and Belgium after. I'll have more to write after the fact.

I'm feeling a little tired today, so if I'm sounding less than inspired - thats why. However I felt the need to document something about our upcoming trip! We've had a lot-alot on lately. It feels like we've been going to endless meetings. Not the AA kind. You know the kind I mean. We've had assembly/special talk on top of our usual meeting/witno schedule. Its been great - really it has. We have been "socializing" a lot too. We probably have to cut that back a little. Like... when we're forty maybe.

This week I'm packing. I read you should put your things together a week before and slowly go through it - taking out what you don't need. I always overpack. Its hard not to when you're heading to cold weather.

I drink way too much beer. I'm getting a beer belly. If I was a guy I'd be proud of it. I'm pretty ballsy, but not that ballsy ;)

NYE

2010-12-31T22:59:00.001-08:00

Tonight I was feeling a little sad. Daniel had organized his day of boardgames with various friends throughout the day. I was fine with that - and made plans accordingly. I decided to work today, run an errand after work, then go to the bookstore after dinner - read for hours then go to the gym to work out and watch Law & Order (one of my favourite things to do!). I have come to love the gym in an incredible way. Its my down time. And my time to watch all the cop shows/law shows that Daniel dislikes and which our crappy cable doesn't show at decent hours. I am of course too disorganized to tape them.

So while my carefully planned agenda fell through, it didn't turn out so bad after all. I ran my errand then decided to go out for a drink. Solo style, because sometimes I'm that kind of girl. I contemplated ringing one of my friends, but decided I felt like being alone. I went to The Wine Spot, sat at the swanky bar, and cradled my $11 glass ($13 inc tip) of wine and drank away my imagined sorrows. Although it was a pricey glass of wine, I figured my New Years Eve was way less expensive than 95% of the rest of the nations. At the bottom of the glass the imagined sorrows disappeared and my mood lightened. So I went home, chatted with the boys and made dinner. We had mexican. Mole, pinto bean brisket, salsa, spanish rice, flour tortilla's and all the sides that go along with that. It was a good hearty meal and we had some laughs. That is Daniel, me and his nerdy but lovable friends.

And now, its 10:30pm and I'm feeling a little lame for being so tired. I should be partying it up and feeling eager for the new year. Instead I'm eager for some sweet dreams. Southern California is no Sydney when it comes to New Years. We get no fireworks, views of fireworks and city lights. Instead its cold and nothing much is happening. I love fireworks so get disappointed every year when we don't have them. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, but I'm not. There's a little kid in all of us. In me I still have the part that gets excited about fireworks.

So New Years Resolutions? I don't have any really. I've given up on them. It probably sounds cynical - but hey, I'm 30 and allowed to give up on some things. As long as its not the important things. While there's no New Years Resolutions, I am excited for the new year and all that will come along with it. I'm excited to go to England next month to see my parents and to Paris for the first time. I've always wanted to go to Paris - and its finally happening. And moving home. I can finally say "this year we're moving home". It conjures up feelings of hope, excitement and relief. There's light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. By the time we leave I would have lived here 4.75 years. Thats 2.75 years more than I intended. Its been great here, it really has. You can be happy anywhere if you put your heart in it. I'm looking forward to the creature comforts of home though and feeling like I belong. I have a great group of friends here, people I love. A job I love. I wish I could take my job with me! There are things about America I'll miss to no end - and I probably won't be able to shut up about the place. Somehow a part of me still feels a little lost here. I wonder if Daniel will feel that same way in Australia. Maybe its just unavoidable. Maybe it'll be easier for him, since he's a guy and way more logical and sensible than me :) I hope so. I feel like I've given America my all. I am "super" grateful for this experience and for getting to know Daniel's family and be able to understand my husband better. I think we needed that.

So now I'm drinking chamomile tea and am about to watch "Sunset Boulevard". I think thats a great way to see the new year in.

May you all have a prosperous year - and may your first child, be a masculine one.

ps. If this post sounds too melancholy, you've probably been drinking too much.
pps. I probably don't drink enough. One glass of wine on new years? Lame.

Is this love, is this love, is this love that I'm feeling?

2010-08-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

The weekend was pretty good. Mellow. I was boring and stayed home most of Saturday and ran a couple of errands. I'm not feeling much beach-love this year. Its cool here in Southern Cali this summer. I'm taking my disappointment out on the beach by not visiting it.

Yesterday we slept in then went to pick up our Grandma to spend the afternoon with her. We ate lunch, walked and engaged in nice conversation.

At night friend's had invited us over for dinner, so we had a lovely meal along with good company.

We're talking about throwing a 90's party. Most of our friends grew up in the 90's, so we thought it would be a fun dance party. In our small apartment? Maybe.

I'm listening to 90's music now :)

I'm loving a bit of this right now:-

The Big 3-0

2010-07-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

I turned 30 today. I had mixed feelings about turning 30. Mostly because of things other people were saying. Some people say things such as "ah, you're getting old". Others say "the 30's were my best years". I suppose that mixed with feelings of "yes, I'm getting older, and the signs are starting to show", "I'm not a young 20-something kid anymore", "did I do all that I had hoped and dreamed of in my 20's?". People have a lot to say on turning another decade, which enhanced my mildly nervous feelings.

Well. I woke up this morning full of anticipation and excitement. Maybe not the full blown excitement, enthusiasm and adrenalin I was filled with at 20 years old. No, these days its more subtle. Perhaps more bridled. I think the the responsibilities of life set in somewhat. Its true, you grow older and get a little more serious about life. While I promised myself I'd never be that person on the bus in a black suit on my way to work looking bored with my lot in life, I can now understand how the responsibilities of life wear some people down. I feel that just a little. But I'm pleased to say I still get excited about the little things. I still find humour in the small things and get giddy about life. I think its a mixture of personality types and what life throws at some people. I think I have the personality type where I'll never truly be "old". I really hope not anyway.

So. I have been thinking about what I want to accomplish in my 30's. I want to stay fit and healthy. Keep up my walks, running and going swimming, bike riding. I want to continue to eat well. I want to have a small house with a veranda, a ping pong table out the back, a back yard, and to live simply. I'd love a dog to play with. Daniel and I want to travel to South America. I'd like to work less and be in full time service again. I can't wait to travel Western Australia properly. Take Daniel to the gorges. Take him to see the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen in my life. I hope he can experience what I grew up around. The karri forests, going on rural witnessing trips into the outback. Camping under the stars on the most uninhabited beaches. I hope to introduce him to the feel of Australia that I love so much. I hope he "feels" what I do there. I'd like to live near our closest friends and dwell in each others good company. Sharing many laughs and our lives with those we love the most. I'd like my Mum to live near me so we can go out for coffee's together. Do our weekly grocery shopping together. Cultivate some common interests together again. I miss my Mum. We've drifted apart over time, and I long to feel close again. I'd like to find a job I enjoy. I'm a little lost there. I've always wanted to get into journalism. Food for bloody good thought ;)

So, thats some of my hopes and dreams for the next decade. I might mentally update those thoughts, and maybe even update them in this blog. But don't hold your 20-something year old breath ;)

I have no plans to eat anyone!

2010-04-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

Today my new monitor came in. At work I was using my laptop for the longest time. About a week ago I told my boss I needed a bigger monitor as I was struggling with the laptop size screen. He ordered me a 21" monitor. I was expecting something mid-range, but - being a tech guy, my boss ordered me a top of the line model! Nice! So I'm very happy at work right now! I'm super excited about this monitor.

The weekend was fun. I drove my Mum up to LA on Sunday morning. We hit the Long Beach Markets. I found a cute vintage dress for $15 and a pair of art-deco earrings for $5. Not bad! After that we went to In'N'Out for lunch - my Mum really enjoyed it (whats not to enjoy?). After that we visited Griffith Park Observatory. There was no parking, it was packed. An older couple walked to their car. I stalked them, put my indicator on and waited. They took their merry time. No problem. Another car pulls up about 5 minutes later and puts on its indicator. I had my Mum tell them I was waiting first. They still didn't move. The old couple eventually left their spot, and the other car slid into the parking spot! Please note: I had been driving up and all around LA that day. It was a hot and humid day. I had a headache. So, keeping all that in mind... I got out of my car and knocked on the window of the rude car. The man rolled down his window. I politely told him I'd been waiting about 15 minutes and was there first. The man says "I've been waiting a long time!" "not as long as me sir, you need to move your car". It was pretty funny. I was nice about it, but at the same time in no mood to be walked over. My Mum laughed in disbelief at her headstrong daughter. Anyway, Mum got her view of the Hollywood sign and I felt good that I hadn't caved.

After our visit to Griffith Park Observatory we went to Aroma Cafe in Studio City for a refreshment and escape from the hot weather. I soon realised Aroma Cafe is where the beautiful people and the wannabe actors/writers go. Did I feel out of place? No, I drank it all in - along with my decaf iced coffee.

We then drove around Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive. I decided I couldn't miss the Renoir exhibition. Mum walked around the gardens at the La Brea Tar Pit while I indulged in 1.5 hours of beautiful artwork. I spent the extra money to have the audio tour. So interesting. I loved it. Renoir's pieces shown were from his later years when he was moving away from impressionism. Most impressionists are known for their landscapes, whereas Renoir focused on people. I was particularly moved by how "real" some of the paintings are. He captured people's expressions perfectly. Its as if you are sitting in the room with some of his subject matters. My favourite painting there was "Young Mother". Its not one of his most famous paintings, but it was in my top 5. I love the expression on the Mother's face. She looks besotted with her child and as though nothing else would be able to capture her attention. I had a couple of other favourites, one being "Two Young Girls at the Piano". The audio explanation of that painting was very interesting. There were about 60 of his paintings at the exhibition!

After the exhibition I found my Mum and took her to Lala's for dinner. Nighttime: we slept well in our hotel room. Then yesterday we slept in and went to Santa Monica for breakfast. In the afternoon we drove out to Pasadena and went to the Hungington Library/Gardens. It blew me away. I can't believe I've never been there before now! I loved every part of it. There are a set of gardens which are "Australian". As you walk in, you feel like you're in the Australian bush. I took a pepi leaf and a gum tree leaf. I was surrounded by these trees and bottle brushes. Each garden is quite big and I couldn't see any other gardens once in the Australian garden. A wave of emotion swept over me as I stood in the middle of the aussie garden. I felt like I was home while there. I started to cry and quickly slid my Ray Bans over my eyes and securely onto my nose. Mum didn't see, which I was grateful for. I wish I could take Anna there, or that we'd been there sooner.

Last night we got home and Daniel and I watched "Where the Wild Things Are" for the first time. I didn't think I'd like it. I was wrong. Its fabulous! Watch it, I know you'll love it.

And today I'm at work. I'm quite happy to be at work, catching up on things. Friday we leave for Yosemite. After that I'll be saving my vacation time back up for a trip to NYC in September!

Shoes

2010-04-15T17:02:00.000-07:00

I'm a shoe girl through-and-through. These are some that I'm loving at the moment:-

These shoes are darling, and would look lovely with my navy blue dresses!

These clogs aren't quite the *Alexa Chung* clogs we're seeing around, (which I'm not quite into). But they are close enough, and look more comfortable for walking. These would look great with my floral dresses!

The next two pairs of shoes are very 1940's looking. I'm in love. They would be beautiful paired with vintage dresses or skirt & blouse.

Watch this space!

Jones.

In a Moment

2010-04-15T15:21:00.000-07:00

Last night I was sitting home, reading some things my Australian friends had said about me just before my wedding. Things that made me smile and miss them very much. I was thinking about how I miss my close-close friends.

Today my friend Maureen visited me at work to drop off a present from a close friend in New York (my sweet Aussie friend Anna). The present meant more than words can... Maureen and Anna had chosen the gift together. I absolutely love the gift, it fits perfectly. Its a little dress from Anthropologie - and is very cute. Exciting huh?! I'm mostly touched by all the thought that went into that. I took a walk to Starbucks and couldn't stop thinking about it, I huge smile on my face. I felt pretty lucky. It made my californian day.

I discovered Ben & Jerry's the other day. I had it for the first time ever! (I know... I've been living in the US for 3 years, and **just** had Ben & Jerry's...?!!). I was holding off, knowing it would be addictive, not sure of the effect discovering it would have. I had the "Everything but the kitchen sink" tub, and yes - I demolished *almost* the whole tub. It was insane good. Crazy good. Wanting-to-scream it was so good. While this is a great discovery, it also poses a lot of problems. Next time I'm upset... guess what I'll grab! My friend Ciara tells me when she's upset she'll go to the store, buy a tub of Ben & Jerry's and eat the tub. I suggested we call each other up to share that tub. **

** For the Australian readers, please note, a tub of Ben & Jerry's isn't all that huge. Not like a 2L tub of icecream. A side note, you should come to America, not just to see me, but to have every flavour of Ben & Jerry's until find your holy grail tub.

Strange Day

2010-04-04T23:21:00.000-07:00

Today I felt my first earthquake. There have been small ones since I've lived here. But this is the first one I've noticed. Usually we sleep through them. The last one which hit Julian woke Daniel up at 2am. That was a few weeks back, and was only a small earthquake.

Today was the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Mexico. I was sitting in my living room, sorting through a cabinet, and suddenly I felt dizzy... everything seemed to be spinning. I thought I was going to be sick and stood up to see if that helped. Lo and behold, our windows were shaking, our building was shaking. It was an earthquake. We ran downstairs with our disaster preparedness kit. You're meant to stay inside, under a table. But our table is next to our window - no good. I figure I don't want to be inside when an earthquake happens. We're on the second storey in our apartments, and I worry it will crash down, and we'll end up in a pile of rubble. Is that me worrying or what...?! Only last week we finally received our disaster preparedness kit in the mail. I'm so glad we spent the money and got one. We have been being advised to get one for quite some time. I bit the bullet and did it. Today we were glad for it! (just in case!). The earthquake was a very strange experience. I felt odd for hours after it. Dizzy and misplaced. It freaked me out.

That aside, it was a great day. Daniel and I slept in then went out for breakfast. We both ordered pancakes which were gi-normous! I'll post pictures of them another day. After a nice breakfast out together we walked through the village, then came home and did housework all day. It was nice to spend the day together, even if it was doing housework :) I felt like we accomplished a lot today. Tonight we were meant to go salsa dancing with friends, but were too tired. We stayed home instead playing a boardgame and listening to jazz music.

I don't know if I mentioned it on my blog, but I've had chronic shoulder pain for 2-3 months now. I had an MRI on it, to rule out a tear. Thankfully it wasn't a tear! I'm very glad about that! My doctor sent me to physical therapy and its been diagnosed as tendonitis. The tendonitis is secondary to the real problem which is hypermobility. Its kind of boring, so I won't explain what hypermobility is. Its a condition that is causing the tendonitis - which is inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder - thats the pain I'm getting. So, basically I have to go to physical therapy for a couple of months, do exercises/weights/stretches/icing my shoulder every single night (for a couple of months) until I've strengthened my shoulders up. I'm fine with it. Besides, I might get those buff arms I always wanted :) I'm just so happy that I'm starting to feel relief from the shoulder. The constant pain is/has been doing my head in.

Daniel and I went to a 20th wedding anniversary party last night for good friends. The couple are so lovely, still in love and still get a kick out of each other. I love that. They're fun to be around. It was a mexican fiesta with catered mexican food and spanish/mexican music which we danced to later in the evening. Much fun was had.

Friday night I went to Jill's house for a chilled evening chatting, eating pizza and playing Rock Band.

My Mum arrives Wednesday night from England. Very excited. Its been 1.5 years since I last saw her. Let the festivities begin.

jones

Friday

2010-03-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

Tonight we're going to a friend's house for a bit of a dance party and a catchup. It'll be nice. It's at my friend Jill's house. It'll be nice to catch up with friends we haven't seen since our NYC friends left.

At lunch I rode my bike home to have an icey pole and watch some daytime tv for an hour. I rode back to work and realized I was wearing only one earring :( This means one of two things. 1) I lost the earring while riding my bike 2) I lost my earring at home while changing my sweater. Here's hoping its the latter :)

I'm really looking forward to the weekend. I think tomorrow will be a cruisy one and Sunday night we're going to a friend's house for dinner and to watch the Oscars. I'd like to see Alice in Wonderland at cinema maybe... Its meant to rain all weekend, so we'll see how the afternoons pan out.

Last night "Marriage Ref" - Jerry Seinfeld's new show aired for the first time. It was hil-larious!!! Daniel and I were laughing so hard we almost cried. I can tell its going to be a weekly instalment in our tv watching schedule.

TGIF... thank goodness its Friday ;)

New Faves

2010-03-02T10:54:00.001-08:00

Band: Wilco. How had I never heard of these guys before???!!! I was recently introduced to them by a friend. Loving them!

Flax oatmeal (porridge) with peanut butter. The peanut butter melts into the oatmal. Unbelievable.

Trader Joe's. Ok. I've known about Trader Joe's for a while. But recently I've been getting more adventurous there. Everything at Trader's is SO good! We tried some chocolate covered pomegranate seeds the other day (with icecream) and it was heaven in a bowl.

Curbing my sugar addiction (which is out of control!) For the last month I've been snacking on apples, crackers. Cutting out all processed foods. Nothing with High Fructose Corn Syrup. No fun sweet snacks or chips etc. Eating complex carbohydrates, fresh and whole foods. I'm feeling 10 x better. I haven't felt sluggish in weeks. I've managed to survive my husband getting really sick with colds/flues (twice in 2 months) and not get sick. Motivation: feeling good. It might sound boring to skip normal pasta and go for organic rice bran pasta. Or skip cheetos and eat an apple with a little peanut butter. But wow I feel good. You are what you eat.

Anything military inspired (clothing). I love a tough/edgy look, although what I end up wearing always borders on the cute side (argh). I think it has something to do with being 5'4".

Wellington boots aka gumboots aka rain boots. I bought some quite a while back. While it doesn't rain much in Southern California, I get all excited when it does. I know I can splash about in the rain and not be worried about my precious shoes. Gum boots are a lot of fun. One day I'll have to wear them a lot in Sydney where we get torrential downpours in winter and just before summer (think tropical weather).

2 Things I hate (yes hate) about America

2010-02-18T10:56:00.000-08:00

There are many many more things I love about America than dislike. So don't think I'm about to write a blog post about how much I hate America - because thats not the case. Its not a love/hate relationship I have with this country. Its mostly love, 90% dislike and 0.05% hate. The two things I am on the verge of hating in America are the DMV and USPS.

Government run businesses so dirty and cold here. Places are understaffed, which means the employees are mean and grumpy a lot of the time (and sometimes scary).

Wait time USPS: 1 hour. There is always a line out the door and only 2 clerks serving. If I want to pick up a package or post something, it usually takes up my entire lunch hour.

DMV: 4 hours, 20 minutes. I'm not kidding. Yesterday was my day off and I needed to get a temporary drivers license until my new Green Card arrives. I have letters from the Department of Immigration saying I'm now a resident for the next 10 years (yadda yadda yadda). I get to the front of the line at 10:30am yesterday and am told by the lady that the DMV will not accept my documentation, they need a Green Card. "But... I've been approved as a Resident, I have the paperwork. It can take 60 days to receive the card in the mail. These letters explain the card will be arriving." "No... thats not good enough. Next please". I didn't know what to do, so went outside and rang my husband. He told me to go back and speak with a Manager. I had to wait an hour to speak with a Manager. The Manager told me that my documentation is fine, and the lady was wrong. Ok. I went back into line to get another ticket. Wait time: 3 hours. 3pm my ticket gets called and it takes 2 minutes to get a temporary drivers license.

Murphy's Law: I get home and my Green Card arrived in the mail!

The good: I had time to read my 2010 yearbook so that gave me some peaceful thoughts :) In between waiting I walked to Starbucks for an hour. Came back to the DMV... still had another 2 hours to wait. So walked over to a Japanese restaurant for sushi & miso soup. I told my husband to log it in our expense account as "Visa Expenses".

So, that was my day off. The DMV is an interesting place. Not in a good way. I felt like I was in prison while sitting in there. I went outside, but there were lots of smokers and gross old men checking me out. Next stop... Starbucks.

I don't like to compare Australia to the US often. Sometimes I miss little things though, like Australia Post where its colourful, nicely carpeted, usually fully staffed and the staff are nice and friendly. Drivers License: I've never waited more than 45 minutes to get it renewed.

LA

2010-02-15T13:36:00.000-08:00

Last night my husband and I got back from a weekend in Los Angeles. He went to a boardgame convention and I did **whatever**. It was just what I needed, a getaway, to help me appreciate where we live. It was nice having a change of pace and scenery. I took the day off on Friday to sleep in and take it easy in the morning. We left for LA at 2pm Friday... got to our hotel and chilled for a while. We had a nice big king size bed which was a treat. Sometimes we talk about getting a king size bed one day, but then we wouldn't get so excited about hotels. I suppose it sounds pretty juvenile getting excited to stay in a hotel and having a king size bed, but I like my space. I like to roll over and still have room either side of me. Its nice not to have everything sometimes, then you can still get excited about the supposed little things.

I was on a pretty tight budget in LA which I stuck to (just!). I spent a lot of it eating out. Friday night Daniel and I went to this beer/sausage restaurant in downtown LA. Its become our new favourite haunt. Between Belgian and German beers... gourmet sausages paired with hotdog-rolls and a choice of onions/bell pepper/sweet peppers and sauerkraut - it makes for a wonderful meal.

Saturday morning I took it easy and drove over to Santa Monica for a morning of fresh air, people watching and a nice stroll on 3rd Street Promenade. I had breakfast at Starbucks of all places. After the beer & sausage shenanigans the night before my stomach could only handle a small breakfast of oatmeal and a latte. I just love Santa Monica. That afternoon I joined my friends in North Hollywood. It took me an hour to battle traffic from Santa Monica to North Hollywood! Usually it would take 30 minutes max (according to the trusty GPS). We went to lunch with a friend in Studio City for the most amazing sandwiches. The name of the cafe is "Aroma Cafe". The cakes, muffins and pastries looked divine. I'm definitely taking Daniel there! That night we hung out with friends Larramy & Letty and went to a Tiki bar for drinks which was nice and relaxing.

Sunday was Rose Bowl. Unfortunately my heart just wasn't in it. It was hot and crowded and I wasn't really in the mood for shopping. I was more in the mood for going for a bikeride or visiting a museum. Oh well, you can't plan your general mood for the day huh:) Nevertheless it was fun to look at different things. After Rose Bowl we got somewhat lost and finally made our way to old Pasadena and had a late lunch at Barney's Beanery. By that time we were tired and good beer helped some.

So, that was the weekend! It was nice to hang out with friends and see some different spots. Today I'm back at work. Its beautiful here in Southern California today. Its warm and sunny with only the slightest hint of crispness in the air. I went for a long walk on the beach at lunch and am now nursing an iced coffee which serves the purpose of cooling me down after power walking. My power walking was much less impressive than it sounds, believe me.

A Conscience

2010-01-25T11:12:00.000-08:00

The other day my friend J and I had a great conversation about what we put into our bodies and what we put on our bodies (face creams etc). J had just watched the movie Food Inc.

I'm eager to see the movie. I have been thinking a lot about our conversation. My grandparents (my Mum's parents) both died in their mid-60's of breast/bone cancer and a brain tumor. I miss them both, and I worry about the history of cancer in my family.

I'm not someone who will ever be fanatical about what I put in my body, or on my body. I simply do not have that sort of discipline. I wish I did. I admire people who can stick to a regime of organic foods only and exercising 3-5 times a week. I'm someone who puts in an effort every day to eat well and exercise regularly. But I also slip up. However, I figure all my efforts will add up over the years and are a lot better than never trying at all.

I rarely if at all eat meat or eggs. I drink milk though, so will look at buying organic milk. I have decided to make even more of an effort for my husband to buy free range meat/eggs. Organic groceries are more expensive of course, but if we can afford to spend money on other random things - we can afford good groceries, and cut back on the random things we don't really need. Its not just about me, its about my husband also - and living healthy long lives. My friend J brought up an excellent point about there not being the fructose corn syrup in everything when our parents were growing up. It angers me that its in everything here in the US. If we can be aware of what has HFCS in it, and cut some of it out of our diets that would be great.

We got talking about parabens. Parabens are in cosmetics, face creams etc to preserve their life. I got home and looked at some of my face creams. I use Yes to Carrots which is a vegan line, and I'm happy to say Paraben free! So, next step... I'm going to switch up my deodorant to something more earth friendly (body friendly).

Like I said, I'm not going to be all-about-organic. I like some processed foods. But all in all I like to cook fresh foods every day, and the efforts I make now will hopefully help over the years.

Home

2010-01-22T12:42:00.000-08:00

I think since my sweet aussie friend Anna left I've been feeling homesick again. Argh! I though I had that little monster type feeling conquered once and for all. 3 years later and its still a little inward struggle. Still, I try to spin my thoughts around to more positive ones... eg. how awesome it is to get to live in and really experience another country for a solid amount of time! But as you well know, we all get our moments in life:) There are many things I feel grateful about, and I like to look at the bigger picture and think of all the freedoms (among other things) that I have in life. When I get those nasty little negative feelings (this sounds cheesy probably) but I like to give myself a slap in the face with a dose of **perspective**. I think about women in other countries (ie. the Middle East) where they don't have the same freedoms we do in western cultures. I think to myself how grateful I am to live in the US. I'm naturally such an independent woman, and can't imagine the daily inner struggle if I lived in a country which offered less freedom. I think about the job I have, which I love. I think about what I've learnt about myself here - and how going through something that feels a little tough can really build your character. Thoughts like that make me smile and feel happy for everything. When I get the homesick feeling I almost scoff at myself and think "come on Jones, is it really that bad?". I make myself get over it.

My 3rd year wedding anniversary is coming up in a couple of months, and husband and I were talking about what to do this year. We decided "no presents" this year, but that we'd each plan a day devoted to the other person. I'm quite excited about this, and think it will be lovely to give such a gift full of such thought. I've already planned some things mentally, but can't say just now, just in case my husband reads my humble little blog :)

Its been raining and stormy all week long. I love it. We went walking in the rain on the weekend. Some days at lunch I have been sitting and just watching the rain. Rain is such a novelty here. Its so refreshing having some.

The time has come

2010-01-18T14:43:00.001-08:00

I just had an eye exam. After more than a decade working on computers... I need... computer glasses. The optometrist said I have the eyes of a 40 year old. Oh crap.

He suggested I become a fire fighter, anything to get away from the computer, because my eyes will only get worse.

I chose some ray ban reading glasses that are interesting and I *think* suit me.

Suddenly I feel old. I'm turning the big 3-0 this year. (yes, I know that logically that is really quite young). But along with 3-0 comes glasses and I seem to have to work out more to stay the same darn weight.

End of pfffffft moment.

I'm going to go and fight some fires.

2010 and lack of resolutions

2010-01-07T12:03:00.000-08:00

I’m at work and just treated myself (ok, that happens every day) to a chocolate chip cookie and a cup of coffee. Mmm.

The holidays were really nice. We went to Florida for a holiday… spent time with really good friends of ours. We stayed up most nights drinking beer and talking till gone 1-2pm. They just did their normal daily things, and included us. I ate soul food for the first time (it was fantastic!) up in West Palm Beach in Florida.
Then my husband and I spent a couple of days in South Beach Miami. That was ok. We stayed in the Art Deco district which was totally crazy. It’s the place for party-goers, if you love the nightlife. But we’re not. It wasn’t our scene, but at least we can say we saw South Beach. One of the days we were there we did a drive through the Keys. The water was beautiful. The Keys are relatively untouched and reminded me somewhat of Hawaii and Western Australian beaches. The other day we did a drive up through Alligator Alley in hope to see alligators! We didn’t, but it was a peaceful drive.

Now I’m back at work and happy to be in routine again. We have a super busy 6 months ahead of us. Between visits to New York and LA, my Mum and friends visiting. Weddings to attend. We’re going to Yosemite. All the in between time will be wonderfully “normal” also. I thrive on routine.

Taking one day off a week was the best things I ever did. I’m enjoying my work more, and have more time to read books, play music and even be able to contemplate craft projects. I just finished reading “The Book Thief” which was brilliant and devastating. I would have liked to seen the ending expanded somewhat. But all in all it was a 9.5 out of 10 for me! (big call I know). I just started reading “hickory dickory dock” by Agatha Christie. I like her stories, but the book is a little juvenile for my taste. Its something I could have read at 12 years old. Still I’m going to stick it out. The next book I want to read is one Daniel is currently reading “The Maltese Falcon”.

I started teaching myself guitar recently. I have some of the main chords down, but need to get the guitar tuned… I have to learn how to do that. A lot of it is having the time, with everything else to do…

I’m excited about 2010. I feel like I’m in a good place and am glad to say my homesickness has finally worn off. I love America, and I love living here. Its such a diverse country. You can travel a few hours and almost be in a totally different culture, yet are still in the same country. This last week 2 of my closest friends in California, Anna and Wendy, left our area… with their husbands and moved to New York and to the desert. I was very sad to see them go, and have a heavy heart now that my friend Anna is gone for a short while. We get each other. We’re both Aussies, and have developed a wonderful friendship in the last year and a half. We’ve gone though some difficult times together here, and we’ve laughed a lot. I think laughing our way through it, and paying each other out constantly kept us both sane. Our friendship is one of the things that makes me glad I came to the States. I have this feeling we’ll be close friends for a very long time. Building a strong friendship with someone doesn’t happen easily. Often it takes going through something. As lovely as Southern California is, for us, understanding and feeling comfortable in this culture took time. I feel like Anna helped me with that. She helped me get over the difficult period of homesickness. The Wednesday in the year. I’ll miss our jokes that’s for sure. But for the most part, my happiness for Anna overrides the feelings I have. Getting to experience a new city, then heading home. What a fantastic way to end this American experience!

I don’t really believe in New Years Resolutions, because I rarely stick to them. They are always to “lose weight”, “learn a language”, “do better with this and that”. There are things I’m constantly trying to work on personally. I’m on a tight budget this year, which is somewhat daunting yet exciting. I’m looking forward to finding cheap ways of doing everything! I literally don’t have money even for a $20 dress or a $5 vintage purse. If I find something… I have to absolutely love it to pieces. And it has to be ridiculously inexpensive. My “fun” budget for the year for clothing is… wait for it… $100. Crazy you say? Well. I have enough clothes to last me the next 2 decades. I feel overwhelmed when I look into my closet. So I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m also not letting myself buy “products” eg makeup etc until I’ve totally run out of something. I gave my husband all my cards to hold onto, so if I’m feeling like some “retail therapy” or am in love with something… there’s no way I can get it.

That’s all folks. From the terrible blogger… :)

Today

2009-12-08T10:35:00.000-08:00

Today.
Today I had one of those mornings. I have a Company lunch at a nice Italian restaurant today. I’m looking forward to it very much, and already know what I’m ordering! I plan on ordering linguine with marinara sauce and large prawns. Since a holiday back in 2004-ish I always order prawns/shrimp with my pasta.

I knew I had to dress up a little more this morning, but for the life of me couldn’t get it together. I was looking at my wardrobe full of skirts and dresses, and felt confused. It took longer to get ready, longer to get my food together for the day and longer to brush my hair… yes, it was one of those days. I ended up being 5 minutes late for work. My brain was asleep. I never drink caffeinated coffee in the morning (I figure if I need caffeine to wake up each morning, there is a problem. But this morning I relented and slowly poured a strong coffee without any guilt.

Once the coffee was downed I looked at my odd ensemble for the day. My outfit doesn’t quite make sense. Its ok. But odd. My tights don’t quite match the skirt I’m wearing. The proportions of my outfit are a little off. I’m ok with that though. There are far more important things in this world that don’t quite make sense.

Yesterday we had a storm in California. It was so nice to have rain, although I wasn't prepared for it. At lunch I took a walk in the rain with my weak umbrella. Thankfully my umbrella didn't pop inside out!

I was hoping it would rain tomorrow (my day off!), but there are blue skies again. Still, its nice and chilly. I plan on cleaning, reading my book and starting a mosaic on a terracotta pot.

Granny Chic

2009-11-19T11:30:00.000-08:00

Thursday morning. I’m not feeling so well and I’m not sure why. I feel like I’ve been fighting something for a couple of weeks. I’ve been getting “chills” and have horrendous allergies – which in themselves make me feel unwell. I often think I have a cold because allergies cause the following: headaches, fatigue, cough, constant sneezing etc. But last night I went to bed feeling nauseous, it woke me up in the night and I still felt sick with chills this morning. But no sore throat, no temperature. So I’m not really sure whats going on! I don’t think it warrants a doctors visit anyway.

So, I’m at work. Yesterday was fun. I’ve been playing a song on piano by Mendelssohn – the Venetian Boat Song. It’s a very romantic piece of music. When it comes to classical music I always favour the romantic melodies. I got to practice that for about an hour all up.

I just went to this danish bakery near my work. There were 3 old ladies all dressed up ordering their morning coffee and biscuits. I smiled to myself and thought about being their age someday. I hope to grow old with my husband and closest friends. It might sound weird but I am looking forward to being an old lady. No longer worrying about that extra biscuit I had with my cup of tea. Being a little more ballsy and not caring so much about what other people think. Wearing whatever I want, being as eccentric as possible. I plan on being very eccentric! I like being young of course and having a lot of energy – youth is wonderful. I’m not so sure about middle age – I’ve always thought a person is young until… they are old. Does that make sense? Eg. My husband’s parents. They’re stylish parents with a whole lot of energy and pizazz. They are in their 50’s/60’s. In my opinion they are still young. They love to go bikeriding, love to go for walks and are very active. To me that’s young. I think a person at 80 would look at 50 year olds and say “yeah, I was young and I didn’t even know it”.

So anyway, since I was feeling not so well, I thought I’d treat myself to a biscuit and coffee since I am at work - a bit of a "yay, you made it". A little stroll in the sun did the trick and lifted the spirits. They have these chocolate drop cookies I just love. It’s a small Danish butter biscuit with a big swirly dollop of icing on top. That paired with a cup of coffee – wonderful! It pretty much made my morning. Curiously, when I walked back up the stairs to my work it smelt like a wash room, you know, the delightful smell of fabric softener? Its one of my favourite smells. I love to walk by the wash room in our apartment complex at home.

I’m starting to feel pretty fit these days. I don’t look super fit, but I’m feeling it. Yesterday I went to the gym and did a run for 40 minutes and didn’t need to stop once. When I first started going to the gym I struggled to do a 10 minute run. I’m pretty pleased with this. Its my goal to work up to an hour. I don’t do a full on fast run, but it’s a run nonetheless. I’ve been going to the gym twice a week for months now. That along with a 30 minute walk a couple of times a week (which I've always done, for as long as I can remember). My Mum used to go for a 30 minute walk every evening and would drag me along. I'm grateful now for the routine of that.

Last night I woke my husband up because of sleep talking again. Then he woke me up to stop the talking.

End of random thoughts for today :) Hope you're having a swell day.

The Lists

2009-11-17T14:41:00.000-08:00

I’m excited about a few projects underway. After 2.5 years of marriage my life is in order and I can think clearly again. Its time to indulge in some passions. I was so caught up in moving country, dealing with homesickness and building a life here and learning to be a housewife, I let a lot of the things I love to do be ignored. Unfortunately I engaged in some retail therapy. Not so much that I can’t pay it off soon. But more than I would like. After all, things don’t make us happy.

The Thinking about List: Here’s a list of what I have been thinking about.

A creative writing course. I’m yet to look this up to see if any course times fit in with my Wednesday off.

Sewing course. This is something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time, but I’m struggling to find a class that fits in with my schedule. So this will have to wait for the time being.

The Regardless List: Things I can do regardless.

Daniel and I are buying a camcorder! I have always loved making movies/silly comedies. So I’m real excited about this. I was thinking of embarking on a project about Southern California. Going to my favourite spots, explaining different things about our lives here. It would be interesting for our friends back home in Oz, and my parents. We’re going to Florida soon, and I’d like to make movies about our travels in the US.

Guitar lessons. I’ve always wanted to learn guitar. I’m going for it. I was looking on Craigslist and there are a bunch of guitars being sold really inexpensively. Its time.

I want to learn another Sonata on piano. Its been a while since learning a new classical piece. Lately I’ve been learning a couple of songs from a Nat King Cole book. “Mona Lisa Smile” and “Smile”. I’ve been trying to jazz them up a little. But, I’m eager to work on a classical piece that is a little grittier.

I love my little plants on our balcony which currently consist of a miniature rose plant given to me by Anna and miniature cactus plants which are growing more steadily than I anticipated! So I want to get a big rectangle flower pot from Home Depot. We have a bunch of 40% off coupons from Michael’s so am going to do a mosaic on the flower pot. I thought that would be a nice way to celebrate my pot plants.

The regardless list is things I’m going to start doing in the next few weeks. The thinking about list will have to wait. There are only so many hours in a day. And only so much money in the pockets. Mosaics will be nice and inexpensive. There is this junk yard close by that has a bit batch of old tiles for next to nothing. If I scour junk yards, the only cost will be glue, the flower pot and eventually grout and sealer (once I get to that point).

Guitar lessons. Well. I’m not sure what to do there. Professional lessons will be best. I have a knowledge of music already (piano) which will hopefully help me. But I want to get technique down, instead of forming my own bad habits from the start.

All that aside, things are going nicely. I’m enjoying having a day off each week. Many weeks I’m busy in the mornings and in the afternoon I do some study and then ride my bike to the coffee shop to read the book of the moment (currently reading Breakfast at Tiffanys by Truman Capote). Then getting home and cooking dinner. Last weekend we went for a bikeride by this lake near a mountainous area. It was beautiful there. The bikeride was somewhat strenuous (no gears on my bmx!). We stopped by the lake for about an hour in between our ride to play a boardgame. My husband always brings a boardgame, just in case we get the opportunity to play a game, even on a dusty bikeride.

The first of many Wednesdays

2009-10-08T11:18:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I had my first Wednesday off. I can’t believe I’ll be taking Wednesdays off every week! It seems to good to be true! It was such a nice feeling waking up, knowing I could do whatever I wanted. I had planned to go to the record store to check out some new music, listen to records I can’t afford to buy. Get a membership at our local library, and do a salsa class at the gym, and do some cleaning. I started off the morning with a bang by doing some reading over breakfast, then starting the housework. Housework ended up with me getting very into it and it turned out to be spring cleaning (although I know its fall here – my husband pointed that out to me). I decided I’m going to do the same thing next Wednesday. So my house will be in spit spot condition. I’m planning on buying a scrubbing brush and scrubbing those floors next week. Usually I use my foam mop, which I don’t believe cleans well enough. I also plan on going over all the skirting boards properly and cleaning my blinds (and getting a window cleaner in). Yesterday I did solid housework for 5 hours. What a workout! I was exhausted by the end of it. Today I feel such a sense of accomplishment. After next week I’ll keep Wednesday mornings to do my own thing and the afternoons can be set aside for cleaning.

The most important meal of the day...

2009-09-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

Breakfast is not only the most important meal of the day: its my favourite. Other meals I can take or leave – I’m happy to snack throughout the day on bits and pieces. A good, healthy and satisfying breakfast however is at the top of the list of priorities in my day. A few weeks back we were up in LA – I was very excited to go to a bakery café for breakfast. The Vienna Café. It has become a fast favourite of mine. The eggs benedict are to die for. Complimentary red velvet cupcakes and a basket of hot, freshly baked bread and rolls.. yes please!

I was reading Real Simple magazine – an article on healthy snacks. I’ll be the first to admit that I indulge in way too many snacks with preservatives. 100 calorie snack packs, otter pops, candy. All the good but bad stuff. So, I made it my goal to eat healthier, more sustaining snacks. Today I had Fage greek yoghurt with a dollop of honey and plain oats. What an amazing breakfast. So healthy and extremely filling - very delicious. Usually I will eat yoghurt and cheerios for breakfast. Or toast with jam and a piece of fruit with yoghurt. I’m totally sold on Fage greek yoghurt. Its wonderfully creamy. My friend Anna has talked about the greek yoghurt in Greece. Anna is in Greece right now. She says there is nothing like the yoghurt there. Mmm. I’d love to try it someday. My other snack for the day is a chopped up apple with a tablespoon of peanut butter to go with it. For lunch I’m planning on a boiled egg and salad. Its my preservative-free eating day. I’m wondering if I will feel fuller on “real” food? Usually I eat a mix of quick foods and natural foods. I love to shop at organic stores and Trader Joes/Henry’s/Whole Foods. Unfortunately the convenience factor of a quick packet of chips gets in the way of my healthy eating.

What is your favourite meal of the day?

Uh oh

2009-09-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

I'm on a shoe roll...

These are fierce!

But not too fierce... while I like the bondage-style shoe (aka amped up gladiator), these are a happy medium for my somewhat conservative (?) self.

Getting ready for "Fall"

2009-09-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

I'm totally in love with these boots:-

Everything in life is somewhere else, and you get there in a car

2009-08-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

Its 4:08pm and I have a lot of other things to do at work besides blogging. I woke up feeling pretty cranky and then had a work meeting at midday with my colleagues, which took place at a local eatery. The 4 of us were throwing around different ideas in relation to the software developed inhouse, and any enhancements that we’d like to see. I tried not to scowl as I sat there with my ray bans on, acid wash black teeshirt and skinny jeans. Its one of those days where I’d listen to Creep by Radiohead really loudly… if Rockband hadn’t killed it for me. ps I'm not a hipster I promise (see pic below if you don't believe me).

Other than that things are fine. I feel like I’m hanging out each week for the weekend, and eventually my day off each week – the day that will keep me sane and hopefully inspires me some. I’ve decided to do up a plan of action each Tuesday night to get things accomplished on that glorious Wednesday I’m building up so much. I know my schedule for the most part. I want to also fit in little things like going to a cute café and reading a book, doing some sort of craft project some afternoons, being like a Queenslander at the beach and bumming around. Taking some fun class at the gym.

My friend J has started blogging again. Her blog “This is the last…” is a music blog with lots of interesting music you might not come across when you listen to mainstream radio. J is a quirky fun gal with character to boot – this comes out in her blog. I’m glad to have her back blogging again.

Here’s a pic of my husband and I on the weekend with our hired car. I wish we could say its ours.

Mission Successful!

2009-08-06T11:52:00.001-07:00

Starting mid September I have Wednesday's off!!!

Staple that!

2009-08-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Thursday. I wish it were Friday. I’m dead tired this week. Its just one of those weeks. Yesterday I was super grumpy. To help with that I thought I'd go out for pizza. About once every 6 months I crave beer and pizza. I generally really dislike takeaway food (pizza, burgers, fries etc) But once in a blue moon I get a hankering for pizza. So I go to the local New York style pizza place… order a beer and my pizza. Drink half my beer… half an hour later… where’s my pizza? Someone else took it, and there was none left. Sigh. I wanted to cry. I was still hungry, and ended up getting something from KFC which I regretted. I don’t even like KFC. It was a waste of my 6 month junk food spat.

I’m still waiting to hear back about having Wednesday’s off. My boss ok’d Mondays – but its Wednesday’s that will best suit my schedule. I’m pretty pleased I got an ok for any day off. But a Wednesday would be even better.

I did a silly thing today. Lately I’ve been wondering where the paper clips are in the office. And why we don’t have any around? Well… today I looked at the box that says “staples” on it. The box has paper clips in it, and they are from the store “Staples”!!! How foolish am I?! All this time I have thought it was a box of staples. That’s my funny story for the day.

hasta luego!

Today's the day

2009-08-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

Monday I finally asked my employer if I can go part time. Aka one day off per week. I don't want to go home to Australia one day and be like "Yeah... living in America was great. I mean I worked 40 hours a week. Was a housewife. And managed to have one afternoon to myself each week. Plus one sleep in a month". It was time to do something about it. So today I hear back if I can have a day off!! I'm very excited about the prospect of working part time. If its mission unsuccessful I'm going to be looking for a part time job.

I can't stop thinking about all the things I want to do on that one day of freedom each week.

Watch this space ;)

Thankfully

2009-07-29T11:08:00.001-07:00

I'm totally in love with these Asic Tigers right now. Thank goodness they aren't available in my size!

Thats about as meaningful as it gets today.

My Way

2009-07-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

I've had a really great couple of weeks. Its summer here, so there is a lot going on. We've been going to "Jazz in the Park", and swing dancing. We had a bonfire at the beach on Tuesday night with our good friend's Q&A. We played cricket on the beach while the sun set. Cooked smores. My husband is with the nerdy masses this week for Comic Con. I've been seeing a personal trainer at my gym. I'm 30 next year, and have a goal of feeling fantastic at that time. For the last 6 weeks I've been working out 3-4 times a week, along with my daily walks and now incorporating weights into my routine. Its going really well - and albeit sore, I feel like the cobwebs are getting cleaned out. I'm someone who thrives on a lot of exercise. When I get into it, I feel fantastic. I walk almost daily for a good 30-40 minutes, but needed some weight training and harder cardio to get a sweat up.

A couple of weeks ago my MIL arranged for some friends and I to have an organized shopping tour in LA! It was amazing - so much fun. It was a complete surprise. We went to vintage stores around Melrose and La Brea. The best vintage stores I have ever shopped at! I walked away with 4 too many dresses to add to my ridiculously large wardrobe. One day I swear I'll ebay it all and live off 2 pairs of jeans, 2 skirts, 2 tops and a dress. Well, maybe.

So, thats whats been going on in my life. I'm officially a full-time-blog-neglector.

LA Baby

2009-07-04T20:31:00.000-07:00

I just found out that Los Angeles means "the angels" hence the term "City of Angels"... it only took me 2 1/2 years.

I need to do a recap on last weekend. Our friend Melita flew in from Canada (she's Australian) after a 6 week vacation in America and Canada. We were picking her up at LAX so decided just to stay the night up in LA. We booked a hotel room in Santa Monica. The night she flew in, the 3 of us ate at Barney's Beanery. The menu is like a newspaper! So many choices. Anyway, I'm not going to ramble on with every detail about our trip, except this one thing that happened.

We took our friend to the walk of fame in Hollywood. There was a line all the way from the Gap store to Michael Jackson's star. It was very busy. We decided to go to Beverly Hills to show Melita some of the beautiful homes, and go for a walk in a nice neighborhood. We park, we're walking around the most beautiful, lush neighbourhood you've ever seen. We basked in the warmth of the day and the beauty of the area. We'd been walking for about half an hour when we came across a shrine for Michael Jackson on a random street corner. People were around it. We walk up the hill a little... there are camera crews, more shrines. We had stumbled across Michael Jackson's house just a few days after his death. How bizarre is that?! Like I said, the neighbourhood we were walking in was very luxurious, very manicured and unbelievably lovely. How bizarre that we'd stumble across his house.

LA in general was a riot - we had a fantastic time there. Walking around Santa Monica, eating the most wonderful crepes for breakfast. But our walk in Beverly Hills was the highlight. It was great to be away from the crowds and noise at Hollywood.

I can see it in your eyes

2009-06-26T11:34:00.001-07:00

Last night was hilarious. My husband and I did our yearly shopping trip for his wardrobe. He HATES to shop for clothes, so we go when the sales are on and he does it all at once.

My husband is an Accountant and super conservative. He has his own style happening. Its not flamboyant though, to say the least. He's in the changerooms at one store and is trying on jeans - found a great pair. I made him try on some skinny jeans. I see his feet under the dressing room door and he starts doing a footloose dance. I laughed so hard I was crying and my belly ached. Then he stepped out in those jeans. I laughed even harder. SO not his style. I mean, he looked fine in them - it was hilarious seeing him in those jeans. Skinny jeans - raw denim. Husband was cracking up also. It was a pretty fun trip to the boring mall. Then we went to Macys to get him shirts for work. We got home and were still laughing. I went to bed thinking I'm glad I'm married to someone I get a kick out of.

This morning I've been listening to all sorts of good music. It started out with Jackson 5, then Stevie Wonder... Lionel Richie... FANTASTIC!

All American

2009-06-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to bed feeling sick in the stomach, and woke up feeling the same way. I'm not sure why. All I know is that by 10am I was craving a grilled cheese sandwich (aka cheese toastie). So I ordered one, and it came packed in all its greasy glory. Funny thing, in America - when you ask for a scraping of butter, and half the usual amount of cheese - its what we'd get normally in Australia when we order a cheese toastie. Interesting.

I’m not getting those Doc Marten’s, in case anyone was wondering. I really love them – but I would not get enough wear out of them to justify the purchase. Wait… that sounds so… sensible…

Right now I’m really loving these Swedish Hasbeens. Delightful eh? I’m imagining them with my vintage sundresses. At this point, all it will be is imagining:)

The other day I was at Michael’s and bought charcoal pencils and a sketchbook. I haven’t sketched in years –used to really enjoy it in High School. My sketching is a little rusty now – but I’m enjoying doing something a little arty. I think I’ve been craving that. I used to love art, and always had some kind of art or craft project in the works.

Well. Lunchtime. I’m grabbing my bmx and going home.

I have this new colleague who bugs me a little. He is a heavy smoker, and after a smoke walks right past my desk. The smoke is still thick and makes my stomach churn. I'm sure he's a nice guy, but I can't see past the way my stomach feels!!! I know that probably sounds politically incorrect - but its my blog, and pah!

I think I'm in love

2009-06-19T14:34:00.001-07:00

I left my heart in San Francisco

2009-06-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

Wednesday afternoon. I just ate a bucketload of sushi. Jealous? You should be. It was darn good.

Last night I visited with my friend Jill & her housemate Mozza. They're both swell chicks. It was nice to have a fat chat with some gals over a glass of white wine. I treasure doing things like this with my female friends. Its one of the things I used to do a lot of, and not so much of any more. I'm not sure if marriage changed that or moving country changed that. Anyway, it put a bit of a smile on my dial.

My husband is in San Francisco right now on a business trip, just overnight, so I've had the car which has felt quite liberating. Yes, we have just one car. How very un-American of us:) So this morning, on the way to work I indulged in a Starbucks and muffin. At lunch drove to get sushi and went to a different area. Sometimes I really wish I had a car so I could go to the gym at lunch and do whatever I want. But, I know its better this way. Making my lunch 9/10 and just going for walks along the beach. I know that all in all this is the much better option - being able to bikeride around and walk everywhere. Its a healthier option also! According to my friend Jill, its the Danish way.

That's all folks.

Affluenza

2009-06-11T09:29:00.001-07:00

Yesterday my husband and I both signed up for the gym. 24 Hour Fitness. They had a special on - $199 for the year, including all the gyms nation wide, except the Super or Ultra clubs (non of which are near us anyway!). I have been sitting down five days a week, eating well but slowly gaining pounds from lack of exercise. I'm not interested in losing a bunch of weight, just toning up again and feeling more energetic. We all know how much better it feels when you have been keeping up with regular exercise! I have been feeling like a corpse lately. I used to exercise quite a lot when living in Australia. We're an outdoorsy nation, and I walked in the city a lot, went for long walks and bikerides with my friends. Here, I walk most days for 30 minutes - but don't walk around and about through the day. Just sit down. So, I think its good to go to the gym 3-4 times a week and build up a sweat, get the heart rate up. I'm really excited about it. Last night my husband and I went for an hour together, and felt so good after. I feel really good today: like I got some cobwebs out. And the best thing is... no startup fees. Just $199 for the year, including everything. That works out at $17 per month each for my husband I. That is an insanely good price. The 24 hour fitness gyms in our area are really nice. To think I used to pay $100 per month in Sydney for my gym membership... pah! Husband and I are planning on playing racketball together. Its not really my cup of tea, but he really enjoys it. I'm happy to do any sport if it means he gets into it.

This morning I was drinking nescafe. It reminds me of servo's in the middle of nowhere in WA. Driving along the beaten track, stopping by the servo, getting a coffee - its always nescafe with milk and water. Love it.

I recently have acquired my own bank accounts. Thats right, I'm looking after my own finances. Well, kind of. I have a certain amount going into my account, the rest into our joint account. Why? So I can manage my own money. I do a lot better with my budget when I can monitor it and feel "in control". Otherwise i assume everything is fine, unless Husband says something. Already after looking at my budget - what I have per month, that its either eating lunch out, coffee's etc or getting a facial. One or the other. So I'm getting a facial, and making all my lunches and making my coffee at work. No more Starbucks!!! So I got up at 7am yesterday and today in order to make lunch. Impressive huh?!

Recently I have been thinking a LOT about how spending stops you from achieving goals in life. I've been meditating on where I want to be in 10 years, what I would have liked to accomplish. For us, it means paying off debt as quickly as possible. I bet my husband last night that we can pay it off in a year if we are head down, bum up. I have been feeling really disappointed in myself the last 6 months - and I want that feeling to end. I think reading the book "Affluenza" has been really motivating also. So no more clothes. Shoes: if I save up for them. Basically, it has to be one or the other. If I want to get highlights in my hair: I need to save up for it. I'm hoping I can direct my energies towards other, more important things to me. We live in such a spendthrift society, which I'm tired of contributing to. I've realised the guilt I've been feeling. And realizing I will eventually miss out on other things I want to do in life, more important things, because we haven't really knuckled down. We have a modest apartment and car. But I know how much money can be wasted day to day.

The Accountant

2009-05-29T09:36:00.000-07:00

The phone rang. I had it nestled between my ear and my shoulder. After saying a formal greeting to my client, proceeded to drop the phone and banana, which was in my other hand, in a rather extravagant and timely fashion. I usually don't believe in the 5 second rule, but for the sake of my hungry stomach I ignored the rule and ate the banana.

Its Friday. Which I'm really thankful for. I've been almost falling asleep at work, which isn't something I'd usually do.

My husband and I have decided to do our budgeting a little differently. I'm going to have a personal budget to work with. I don't work so well with massive credit cards. I used to have a credit card of $500. When it was maxed out, it was time to get it back down again. I don't spend extraordinary amounts, but more than I would like to. There. I said it. I'd like to really crack down and save for things that are more important to me. Like seeing the world, even on my measly 2 weeks vacation per year. Hopefully that changes sometime soon. I am itching to get to China and South America and experience a different culture other than the western one. It seems smart to visit South America while we are living so close. To travel around South America from Australia takes a big big chunk of change. I think when I go shopping I'm still very much "The Accountant". I never buy anything "cheap" or anything at full price, rather something that is well made and highly discounted. But sometimes I look at it all and think "why?" - I'd love to do a big purge someday and live off the basics. I will probably never have the heart to do that, but am trying to put a stop to spending overall. It seems so pointless and meaningless. I'm not a "things" person. We live in a humble but cute apartment with the basics - almost all of our furniture, apart from a few Ikea pieces were all given to us. I could leave it behind in a jiffy with no pangs of distress. My wardrobe on the other hand... I'd probably box it up and ship it to my Mum for safekeeping:)

So its 10am and my cup of tea is brewing. I'm really looking forward to the weekend. Tonight a friend and I are going for a walk straight after work. Then I think catching up with my aussie mate for a cup of tea and a chin-wag.

"And he sang as he watched and waited 'til his billy boiled"

2009-05-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

I’m at work and battling a serious case of jetlag. I know I know. You can hardly feel sympathetic for me, as I just indulged in a 10 day vacation across the pacific in a thriving laid back metropolis called Sydney Australia.

It was more than good. I couldn’t wipe the dumb grin off my face for a few days after arriving. My friend Rowena and I did our rendition of Moulin Rouge’s Elephant Love Medley. Expensively brilliant Indian food was devoured by a group of us at “Delhi O Delhi” in Newtown. We sang “Singin in the Rain” at the Hero of Waterloo located in The Rocks. It was sunny and warm and very non-winterish the first few days. The next 6 days made up for that by torrential downpours.

It was really good to go home and see all my friends. To sit home with them most nights watching movies. Talking about nothing, and laughing about nothing. Getting to spend time with my friends on their days off, doing some of the things they usually do on those days. We drank many cups of tea – a ritual I miss very much and hit up the good old Aussie bakeries. We even went to an AFL game. It was a bit of a highlight. That night we were running a little late, so stopped by the local Indian takeaway restaurant on the way to the train station to grab $7 indian food. While waiting for our train (turns out we weren’t late at all, rather early) we sat on the benches at the station eating butter chicken, lentils and garlic naan. Does it get any better than that? The Eagles played the Sydney Swans and lost by 1 goal. I would have been a little upset if the Eagles had a huge loss, but a game as close as that is pretty exciting.

The last couple of days in Australia I was feeling a little melancholy, meditating on the fact that I was home, but going back to the US – trying to swallow that. I stayed home Saturday night while all my friends went out so I could pack and have some thinking time. It had been a full on week and I was craving some head space. A few hours alone solved that problem. The next morning my friends all caught the bus and headed to work. I watched Reality Bites, called a taxi for 10:15am and then went to the airport. After going through security I sat and read for some time. Then looked out at the view which showcased Sydney city. I looked at that view for 15 minutes or so to keep it as a memory, hopefully a clear one so that when I’m missing home I can imagine myself in that view. I walked to Gate 9 and sat down, daydreaming. Next thing I know I hear my name over the PA system. My flight is leaving in 10 minutes!! I had to get my name checked off and quickly board the plane. Yikes. That would have been the world’s best yet lamest excuse for not boarding my flight and staying home.

And now, its day 2 of work, and I’m fine with that. It was a great holiday. So I’m fine with being back in routine. I’m not even feeling homesick – which is kind of nice. It only took 2 years.

Its 10am and that time of day. I'm drinking a cup of tea. It feels like my morning saviour.

Here's a photo of the AFL game we went to. As you can see we had fantastic seats!

Sydney Views

At the Hero of Waterloo. A night of Irish Music, dancing and drinking beer.

My friend Rowena and I at Shelly Beach. It was a glorious day.

As for the subject line: yesterday I visited a couple of good mates. We got talking about camping in the bush and the subject led itself to a billy. A billy is used to boil water or cook food over a campfire.

“The red brick wall was the color of a brick-red Crayola”

2009-05-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

Its 9:40am and I'm in the office. I can hardly breath in here its so stuffy. Ten minutes ago I walked to the local cafe to get a coffee. I'm really looking forward to being on vacation. Walking around in Sydney each day and taking in sights vs staring at my laptop screen and the red walls that surround me.

I fly out tonight. Am a little anxious about flying of course, and am not looking forward to the 15 hr plane flight! That aside I plan to catch up on some reading and watch the inflight moves and SLEEP. Here's hoping for that window seat.

I'm very excited to see my friends. I didn't fully feel that excitement until yesterday as I was packing my bags and buying last minute things for my trip. I had to send my husband to Costco to replace our suitcase, which we didn't realize is broken.

Quirky habits

2009-05-11T16:25:00.000-07:00

Today I had an epiphany about myself. I'm weird about food. Always have been. I don't like meat. I like plain foods and will only eat salad if it has minimal or no dressing on it. I love lentils cooked with garlic, salt, some spices and served with plain rice and veges. Parfait! Plain potatoe, grilled fish and plain salad - parfait! Maybe its because my Mum cooked like this. I don't know. We never ate super rich foods, and to this day I can't stomach anything fried, and nothing too rich.

I'm embarrassed to explain some of the weird things I do. I like icing on cake, but dislike cake - so I often eat the icing, leave the cake for my husband. I like american scones, but only if its crunchy on the outside. If the inside is soft, I'll ditch it and just eat the outside. I only ever eat the top of a muffin. I love the icing on a donut - but am not crazy about the donut itself. 9/10 times I'll just eat the top part. I love to pick nuts and chocolate out of cookies. I'm big on texture - and love anything crunchy. I love cold pizza - but dislike hot pizza as its soft and gewy. I love it when cheese is slightly burned and is crispy on my pasta. I love cashews that have been overly roasted. I can't get a taste for refried mexican beans, but am all over a grilled chicken taco.

See. Weird. And today I realized its all about texture.

I don't like admitting that I'm fussy. But truth is that if I eat creamy pasta, I'll get stomach pains. If I eat anything fried I'll feel unwell. I have a friend who feels sick when she eats veges. I couldn't understand it then, but as I take a look at my own weird eating habits - I guess I do understand it. I was allergic to a lot of foods as a kid. Everything gave me asthma. If I'm at a friend's house eating, thats another story - you go with the flow.

The weather:)

2009-04-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

The weather is beautiful here today. I'm going for a walk at lunchtime to drink the sun in. Yesterday and today I stepped outside into what felt like an oven. Today its meant to reach a high of 85 degrees F (29.5 degrees C). I love this weather. It'll get cooler tomorrow and the rest of the week. But I'm thankful for this warm weather. I love it. I could easily live in a country like Bali, or one of the islands. I love hot hot weather. One day I'd like to live up in Queensland, Australia to experience warm tropical weather day in, day out.

The weather in Australia is quite tropical. My hair would frizz and curl like nothing. (whereas its straighter here). I loved the damp heat. And the sun showers.

“I cried because I had no shoes, then I met a man who had no feet.”

2009-04-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

Its 8:22pm and I've just come home from an important event. Now I'm sitting alone and doing what any self respecting woman of 21 years would do while home alone: eat homemade vegetable soup and indulge in the level of comfort that only a pair of Target pajama's can offer. Thats right, it doesn't get any better, or classier than that.

Right about now a bunch of my friends are scattered between various restaurants such as Olive Garden and Macaroni grill. I feigned tiredness so I could skip those ghastly chain restaurants I dislike so much to have a little alone time, have a bath and a cup of tea. It'll be great, and so far my plan for the evening is working out nicely. Except for the tea. I got home, went straight to the fridge to check the milk and it smelt a little weird. I was mildly disappointed. Weird like its still ok, but it won't do for a good cup of tea. And I only drink "good cups of tea". That might sound a little snobby, but we all have our quirks - and one of mine is that I'm super picky about my tea. I'm sure I've discussed how I like it made in a previous post. While we're on quirks, another thing I'm weird about is feet. Always have been. If you have any questions about this quirk please email me or contact me directly. However please do not come to my house, knock loudly and demand an explanation. Most importantly, please never ask me for a foot massage.

Tonight I saw my fellow Aussie friend Anna for the first time in about a month. I felt a peculiar wave of emotion as I saw my friend and we smile and embraced. It was indeed lovely to have her back here. On the way home I was thinking about the close friendship we have forged over the last year. When Anna first moved here I'd hoped we'd get along and become friends. Its funny how something one day clicks and you suddenly have this bond or understanding that ties you together as friends. I remember the day we became friends. We were hanging out with our mate Tongers who is the funniest person I know. We were all cracking up over silly things. I remember driving back from the outlet mall, looking at Anna and thinking "my friend's are right. this girl is really cool, and importantly - really funny".

So anyway, I'm looking forward to that feeling when going home and seeing close friends. I usually get emotional on the 15 hour plane ride, cry as I'm descending into Sydney... knowing I'll be seeing our friends within the next hour. And then by the time I see them, the emotion has passed and its all excitement & cheering. A year seems so long. Yet when you see each other, its as though you were hanging out, teasing each other and being foolish just a day or two ago.

Word of warning: I'm starting to get excited about Australia. But its still 5 weeks away. So don't think I'm going anytime soon. But if you're a longtime reader, you'll know how it is.

Thats it. Time for my bath and then to read some more of Cloudstreet.

ps. When I meet people they often ask how old I am. I've decided to start saying I'm 21. Or Generation Y. After all, youth is fleeting and age is just a number which will forever keep on changing year after year. Although a fair question, I recently decided I'd rather people know who I am... instead of an outward mundane thing such as how old I am. A number does not describe who I am, my likes & dislikes, passions and feelings. End of thought.

Last night

2009-04-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

Last night my husband and I bought a bicycle off Craigslist. Its a bike for my husband, for our anniversary - so we can go out bikeriding together. Bikeriding is one of my favourite things to do and I have been pestering (yes, pestering) husband to get one. So, we got home around 6pm and went for about a 30 minute bikeride around our neighborhood. We tackled some pretty steep hills and enjoyed some lovely scenery. My husband is an indoors person through & through - this was the first hint of exercise he has gotten in a while. I'm forever trying to drag him along for a walk on the beach or for a hike up in the mountains. Its just not his skit. So, I'm really glad this is something he likes doing and we can do together.

This is where is gets mildly interesting. I am in love with the new bike. It has 21 gears, is a comfortable 18" mountain bike (cruiser style). I never realised how uncomfortable my bmx, without gears bike was until this morning. I took the new bike for a test drive this morning and rode it to work. Was it a pleasant trip or what. So, now its the battle of the bikes. Bikeriding is my main method of transportation to & from work. So, I think that entitles me to a nice bike. So, I have to sneakily borrow it from time to time for a while until it becomes a regular thing and the bike is practically mine. Make sense? Any tips or ideas on how to do this over time would be appreciated. hehe.

...

2009-04-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

I've had a rough week. In between working I've been visiting doctor's and the like. Having tests for this and that. I feel like I need a rest.

I'm heading back to Australia real soon for a visit and cannot wait to see my friends and be home, if only for 10 days.

You are sooo good looking!

2009-03-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

Funny thing: Today I typing an email, and was putting in the email address about to type ".com" then I did a big sneeze. Instead of saying "excuse me!" I said ".com!"

My colleagues heard and sniggered. I had ".com" on my mind!

In my lunchbreak I rode home (a 10 minute bikeride) and washed my hair. I just really felt like standing under the hot shower and having the opportunity to hum away. It was really nice actually. I came back to work feeling nice and fresh.

On the way home, I passed this vacant lot which had dried out grass that had been recently cut. It reminded me of the smell of hay. It got me thinking about my Besta & Grandad's farm. When we were kids we used to help Grandad in the farm, or Besta and Grandad would take us for long walks around the paddocks, visiting with the farm animals. I loved the fresh flowers, trees and smells. It was a nice reminder today.

A post mostly about coffee. (Again).

2009-03-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

Today I realised I'm going home in 7 weeks. I feel really fortunate to be going home again so soon after my last trip. Although I'm comfortable here in the US of A, I still struggle with the culture a little here and miss home. I can't explain it. I know I probably harp on about this a fair bit in my blog - but its my blog and I'll cry if I want to..

This morning my colleague Ty did a Starbucks run. We're an office full of uber healthy 20 & 30 somethings. My boss doesn't drink coffee. We don't do Starbucks or donut runs. But this morning... it was needed. We were all feeling "the morning" a bit. So I got a non-fat decaf grande latte. (what a mouthful!). I almost forgot the joy of an espresso coffee! It was so good. I stopped going to Starbucks a while back. Mainly for $$$ reasons (I can't justify spending $1000 a year on coffee's and whatever snacks I get while at Starbucks). My caffeine intake = zilch - so there is no feasible reason to go to Starbucks. Its a habit I'm glad I've kicked. The last year has been good for me, and I feel like I'm finally doing some good nutrition and health wise. But, have to say, the non-fat/decaf/grande latte this morning was AMAZING. So good. And it felt like a real treat to have it. Even though it was decaf it gave me a slight buzz. (buzz as in my body responded to the tiny amount of caffeine found in decaf coffee) (vs drunken buzz).

I was telling Ty how our espresso in Australia is very good, and there is nothing like the small independent coffee shops that largely inhabit the streets of Sydney-town. I know when I go home in May, that despite all protestation, I will probably give into the caffeine factor. Then come back to the States and have to face withdrawals. Its worth it.

So. Australia. Yeah, I'm really looking forward to going. I have to remember to ask for a "skinny latte" instead of "nonfat latte", that we walk on the "footpath", not the "sidewalk"... you get the idea. As much as you fight it, you can't help but pick up sayings and ways of doing things when you have been living in a foreign country for 2 years. 2 years... wow.

March comes in like a lion, what else? Still the snow never melts.

2009-03-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

If someone can guess what lyrics this line is from - I'm impressed!

Its Spring!!! It seems so weird to me that Spring starts on March 20th. In Australia Spring starts on September 1st. I get so mixed up with Autumn and Spring here. With a lot of things actually. The other day I walked over to the wrong side of the car. I often do that still.

LLG recently wrote about her new Wayfarers. I'm loving Wayfarers right now, and have been seriously thinking about investing in some. Albeit a little pricey, they're a classic. Like a pair of Converse sneakers, or a khaki trenchcoat. Last night I was chatting with my mate Q and he was all "don't do it. They are so 2 years ago. They've been overdone, and its not cool to wear them anymore." He then went on to say how he was thinking of getting a pair, but his wife talked him out of it because the Sydney kids have been wearing them for years. So now I'm stumped and a little annoyed that Q made me aware of this fact. Where have I been all this time they have been fashionable? I'll tell you where I haven't been: University, LA, Sydney or New York. I have never noticed they became fashionable. I recently noticed them, and tried on a pair - and they were comfortable. I'm now at a crossroad on these sunnies. I really don't care what my mates think about them being overdone. Whatever. I can get over that. But inwardly... knowing they have been done a gazillion times too many kinda kills me. On the other hand, they're a staple and I love them. And I'm obviously not a fashion/trend follower - or I would have noticed they are in fashion. Right? They have been worn for decades. Why? Because of they're classy and stylish. Like Jim in a Tuxedo.

Grrr. Q and his awareness of the world.

What are your opinions?

ps. Its Friday. Sigh of relief:)

pps. I know I mentioned this already, but its Spring. And I love Spring.

ppps. I'm listening to Darren Hanlon at the moment.

Another Phase

2009-03-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking about getting off sugar. As of last week I started buying mostly organic veges. Eating non processed foods (for the most part) - I've had a few slip ups. But I haven't had any caffeine or soda (cool drink for us Aussies!) for almost a year now. My last slip up was in May, 2008 - Sydney. Sydney does the best coffee's ever. Big call, but if you had one, you'd agree with me. I think I've said it before, but I'll say it again - America is great for the pot of coffee. But an espresso or cappuccino - look no further than Australian cities.

So. The organic veges are going well. I'm buying organic oats, organic quinoa. Organic everything pretty much - except if something is ridiculously expensive - then we are using a vege wash. I'm trying to make most of my meals and am steering clear of processed foods. I'm going this route because I've been feeling more tired than I should for a 28 year old. I figure its because I am eating too many processed foods (aka too much crap!). The cooking is going well. I really dislike meat as it is. My dislike of meat has escalated over the years. At the moment I can't even eat chicken without my stomach squirming. Weird. So I'm still trying to up my protein intake for energy. So today I have an Amy's organic lentil soup for lunch. A fresh garden salad. Banana for the afternoon. I hope the lentil soup is good protein wise. Maybe I'll get some tofu for dinner tonight. Any protein suggestions? Or thoughts on this regimen?

The proud new owner of....

2009-03-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

My mate Smithy is a fan of the Tiger Asics. I credit my love of them to Smithy. She spoke of their comfort and style like a true fan. I acknowledged the way she felt about Tiger Asics, but never went so far as to try on or buy a pair, and stray from my converse sneakers. Mainly because in Australia they are $$$$$ in price. Very expensive. 2 years later, living in America and they are a lot less expensive. So I bought a pair, and fell in love. The comfort is amazing. There is nothing comparable style wise. I'm a fan. Thanks Smith. Love your work. I'm even more thankful to be in a job where I can finally wear jeans, sneakers and hoody. Whenever I am discontent with my work, I remember that fact.

Time changes everything dot com

2009-03-09T15:10:00.000-07:00

On the weekend we turned the clocks forward. Making this morning very difficult to get up for work. I got to work and my boss says "are you ok? you look sick". No... just tired!!!

The weekend was really nice. Thanks for asking. One of my husband's closest friends flew over from Florida, with his lovely wife in tow. I met friend's wife Leah when they came over for our wedding - but of course, it was our wedding day, and I didn't get to know her too well. We get on like a house on fire. Funny in life how you often get along well with your friend's friends. There is often a common denominator that draws you together. Whether its sense of humour, the way you see life etc. Rarely have I ever, if at all, disliked my friend's friends.

Case in point. Two weekends ago I was "hangin" with aussie friend's mate Jorge. I don't know Jorge all that well. He is one of the best dressed men I have ever met. He is extremely artsy, intelligent and interesting. He has this air about him which I can't quite describe. We chatted a couple of weeks back, then on the weekend got into this great conversation. I realised it makes sense. He's very close friends with two of my closest buddies. Its only natural we'd have things in common.

There. convinced? :)

On the weekend we visited nice restaurants, hung out, played pool, ate some more with our Florida friends. My husband was so happy to see Jarrell. The two of them played lots of video games and joked around. I was glad to see them so happy.

Next weekend I plan on having a sleep in. Its Monday and I'm already looking forward to it. I'm thinking of having a "date day" with my husband. Visiting an art museum, getting to mosey around some cute neighborhoods, going out for a nice dinner. All the things we used to do when we were dating. I feel like we need that. Lately I have been feeling that "busy-ness" has been taking over my life and zapping me of inspiration. Aussie friend and I were chatting about this. She asked if I have been doing anything to encourage my creative side, like visiting art museums, reading new books, playing piano, writing. No. Not really. I have been "BUSY". I make sure to practice my piano every few days and get lost in it. It feels like a space only I can inhabit. But truth be told - I need to make time for the other things now. Life inevitably changes as you get older. Meals are to be cooked, a home is to be cleaned and kept nice. I have to remember to take some time out though. I was looking at some online courses - and have been thinking about taking a creative writing class.

Thoughts over for now. Back to work! (for me).

''Never fear being vulgar, just boring.'' - Diana Vreeland.

2009-03-03T13:55:00.000-08:00

Today is turning into "one of those days". I feel like being grumpy, going home, getting cosy on the couch and reading a book. Or watching the rest of "Lost in Translation", or an old movie.

In my lunch break I visited an antique store and found the cutest old vintage clock for no more than $5.99. So I skipped lunch and bought the clock. Makes sense right?

With increasing unemployment figures I believe it important to fuel the economy and engage in discretionary spending. I have a budget for clothes/"fun stuff" per month - $100. It sounds like a lot to some, not a lot to others - but having a budget helps me keep within it. The budget includes clothes/shoes/cd's/books etc.

I informed my husband of his blog name - he wasn't too thrilled about it. So nickname "Quite Californian" is going to be suspended until further notice, or until my husband decides on a new nickname. He looked offended when I informed him of his name. "Quite Californian? I'm not very californian at all!" - well buddy, you're more californian than I'll ever be. Take that!

So, back to what I was saying earlier about feeling a little mad today. This morning I was on the phone with a client who starts screaming at me when he finds out his account with us isn't terminated. "Sir, did you send in the signed Termination Agreement" "no... but thats not the point... its a verbal agreement!!!", screamed the screamer. Me: "Per your contract with us, it states you need a signed Terminate agreement to terminate with us, we informed you of this yesterday". More screaming/shouting from client "I'm taking this to my lawyers...!!!". Me: "ok, do that. but you still need to sign the termination agreement and fax it in. ok?". I was firm, but really polite and nice. I was close to telling him to call me back when he's feeling a little calmer, or just to lower his voice. I've dealt with people long enough to know when enough is enough. One of the things I love about getting older is being able to speak up (without sounding rude) and having the confidence, and self assuredness to do so. I've never been afraid of people, but have learnt that you can either let people walk over you, or exert your right as an equal human being and stand up for yourself, in the nicest way possible... of course.

Then next, after lunch... I'm walking... thinking... on my way back to work, thoughts of my afternoon and things I have to do after work racing through my head. This guy steps out of a pub and says "Pull your head up when you're walking!". I look at him and he says it again. Me: "I'll walk however I wish". And I keep walking. Pub guy: "promise me you'll do that". Me: no response to obviously intoxicated person. Keep walking, albeit feeling a little annoyed that said-slightly-intoxicated-stranger commented on my walk.

All in all I want to go home and veg, instead of working and visiting Costco after work.

Tomorrow is a new day:)

"I am not interested in money. I just want to be wonderful."

2009-03-02T16:22:00.000-08:00

That’s a Marilyn Monroe quote on a picture I bought on the weekend and planted onto our wall. I was a solo unit this weekend, and have to say, it was pretty nice feeling like my old single self for 4 days! I mean, I missed my husband, cried when he left - then suddenly felt as though the world were my oyster for 4 days, knowing he’d be back again soon. 4 days was a good amount to be apart. When it’s a week, its too much. I start to get really upset.

So, I did some spring cleaning in the bedroom, which I like to do about every 6 months. I proceeded to empty all my drawers, put aside what I haven’t worn in a long time to donate to goodwill, throw away junk and then reorganize everything. It is so refreshing to know where everything is! I also did a Target and Bed Bath & Beyond trip for new coathangers, storage devices, more pictures and wall art etc. So, when all is said and done, I’ll take a pic to post on the blog. The problem is that our bedroom is also our storage room. When we moved in I loved the location, and it was all I cared about. Now, a little more experienced in having a home and I’m realizing cupboard space and storage are important. But location is still more important:) So, for now I’ve worked with what I have, as best as we can.

So while my husband, who, for the purpose of the blog from now on am going to call “Quite Californian” – was up in San Francisco for a comic convention, I planned my weekend away. It included a party, visiting with different friends, a 4 mile beach walk, spring cleaning and shopping (for clothes as well as homey things – Quite Californian has yet to find out about the clothing purchases.) Watch this space.

Saturday I went to my first baby shower, which was very cute and fun. And very American. My friend who had a baby boy wrote a poem and cried. She loves being a Mum (aka Mom).

Roger out.

Our House

2009-02-24T19:07:00.000-08:00

Finally here are some photo's of our apartment and our recent IKEA purchases!

We replaced the corner bookshelf and put in a lamp which matches the hanging lamp.

I came across the painting above the piano a while back and fell in love with it. It gets mixed reactions. Some friends love it, some dislike it. I like it when a piece of artwork inspires different reactions.

The bookshelf next to the cabinet now match! And we put in the hanging lamp.

It took a while, but everything is in order, and looking more homey. We didn't want to get any "investment" pieces, but still be able to put touches of our personal taste within our home despite our limited budget and very limited space. Its crazy how quickly you accumulate things.

Tea Set courtesy of Miss R:)

Another one bites the dust

2009-02-23T10:03:00.001-08:00

We have another wedding to attend in a few weeks. I have been wearing dresses out of my closet. However, I'm thinking of buying something new for the up and coming wedding. These are the dresses I am thinking would suit. I want something young, fun and... flirty? Maybe not... :)

Friends and readers, please offer your opinions on these dresses. The problem is that I usually love a bit of vintage, glamorous granny chic. But this time around I want something more floaty and fun. Thank you in advance!!!

I'm thinking the blue style more, because its $100 cheaper. But I just don't know which colour as well... the turquoise or the rose pink...

And another...

2009-02-17T13:22:00.000-08:00

The weekend.

2009-02-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

The weekend was a good one. Busy. But really really good. We slept in Saturday morning and enjoyed listening to the rain and being indoors while it was cold.

Our friends were married at 2:30pm. It was a wonderful wedding. The couple are such expressive, sincere people. It was one of those weddings that left you with a nice feeling, and one that we'll no doubt rave about for some time. When the bride was walking down the aisle she mouthed "I love you" to her fiance. The groom couldn't stop grinning and watching his bride throughout the ceremony. At the reception (fantastic food!) we danced to a lot of mexican pop, 80's music, salsa and also some swing dancing. I even got my husband up and dancing with me. The groom wore a lay, and the bride did a Hawaiian dance for him. The bride's family are of Mexican descent, and the groom's parents are from Hawaii. So it was a nice mix of cultures.

After the wedding, we went to the "Wes Anderson party" (at 10pm). There were a lot of people dressed from Life Aquatic and Royal Tenenbaums. There were a lot of good "margot's". One of my friend's looked just like Margot, it was pretty golden.

Here's a pic of my character, Max Fisher... (Rushmore).

I took a photo smiling. But Max Fisher isn't a smiley character, so decided to take another looking a little more sullen/annoyed.
They are my husband's pintuck trousers. He wore these... (before we got married). Now they are at the back of the closet. I have also realised pintuck trousers are not so flattering..

Sunday afternoon we did housework, and took a nap. Then last night went to dinner with our good friends. We both have our 2nd year wedding anniversaries around the same time (ours is in a couple of months), so decided to celebrate together. We went to a fusion restaurant with cuisines from around the world. There was a romantic ambience, fantastic food (I ordered the slow cooked moroccan lamb shank with dates, cinnamon and Israeli cous cous). We went all out on our wine and had an amazing bottle of La Crema pinot noir.

After dinner we went to see Andrew Bird live. I enjoyed the mix of violin, whistling and other effects he incorporated.

And now its Monday morning. I was late to work. Its a federal holiday here, which my husband gets off... and I don't. grrr.

“I don't have pet peeves, I have whole kennels of irritation” - Whoopi

2009-02-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

We all have our pet peeves. I have a few, but today I'm going to discuss just one of them.

People talking through their teeth, or with their mouth closed up. Arrggh.

This morning I was on the phone with a client, from the midwest, and I had the hardest time understanding him. I kept having to say "excuse me?" "can you repeat that?".

There is this other girl I know, and like. But I can't get past the way she talks. She's intelligent, sweet and nice. But when she talks, its like there is a plum in her mouth (not in the hoity toity way...) but as though her mouth is half closed. This bugs me beyond belief. It is important in my opinion to speak clearly and not talk like a ventriloquist figure. Maybe this comes across mean, but come on, everyone has something that annoys them, or that they can't get past. For me, this is a dealbreaker.

The weekend is set to be another busy one. Good busy. We have a wedding to go to tomorrow, a party after the wedding (I'm dressing up as Max Fisher from Rushmore - my current movie character obsession). Then Sunday going out to a nice restaurant and concert with two of our close friends who just celebrated their second wedding anniversary! Congrats to them! They're a cute couple. We got married around the same time, and although we're two very different couples, we have had parallel lives in some ways. Our husbands are best friends, have been since they were kids, and my Aussie friend Anna and I have become close friends. We love those guys, and its nice to see them so happy together. Warms the heart!

My friends getting married on the weekend are very cute also. They're both quirky and a little different - and are a perfect match for each other. They were just good friends for many years, then suddenly the husband-to-be started seeing his now fiancee in a different light. He said he was at a wedding (she was a bridesmaid) and they had a dance together. He thought she looked beautiful, and suddenly something changed about how he felt. I love their story, and although it took a long time to get together (and it was right under their noses), they know each other very well. They exchange marriage vows tomorrow. It will be a beautiful day, rain hail or shine.

Out for now.

ps. yesterday I went to a consignment store in my lunch break and found a pair of almost new Seven for All Mankind jeans for... $50! The store was having a 20% off sale, hence the great price. I was stoked. They fit perfectly. Usually their jeans retail around $170-$180. Bargain!!

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't slow down and look around, you might miss it"

2009-02-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

I have been binge eating today. Why? Well. its one of those days you know. You name it... I ate it. I get like that about... once a month. Which is ok. Its the day I visit the bakery and buy a massive piece of cake... big chocolate chip cookie... etc. I ate a pack of M&M's earlier also. Crazy. At least I had a salad for lunch. Maybe I'll boil veges for dinner. Except I'm making pasta for my husband. So bets are on that I eat 2 servings of pasta. Oh, and then there was the In'n'Out burger I ate at midnight yesterday... watch this space. It sounds bad. I know it. But it isn't really. I'm pretty good for the other 30 days of the month... Details you all wanted to know? "You know it". (thats my new American expression).

So. I know what you're wondering... you're thinking all "what was she doing at In'n'Out at midnight?

The question isn't what WAS I doing there... but what WASN'T I doing there...
How many of you know what I'm referencing? Its my favourite way to flip a question. But I get so bummed out because it passes over people's heads most of the time. When, IMO its from one of the all time funniest movies ever made.

Speaking of which... my husband hasn't seen "Groundhog Day" - another absolute classic. I love that movie. It kills me. I'm wanting to watch a Bill Murray movie real bad. Its been a while, you know.

So. Back to my question about In'n'Out... last night some mates and I went to see a filming of the show "Big Bang Theory". The MC was horribly annoying. But the show was fantastic. We got in straight away this time and got to see the cast in person. I have developed quite the celebrity crush on Sheldon aka Jim Parsons since seeing him in person. He's a real character full of expression. He was super friendly to the audience and did weird, quirky things... like doing a star jump when they finished filming at about 11pm. I think in real life he and Penny are dating. They were all over each other. Drats.

At one point in the evening the MC called for all the foreigners to come up. There were about 10 of us. He asked us to each sing a song from our homeland. I sang...

G'day G'day... and how're ya going... (THAT song). It was all I could think of impromptu.

The annoying MC said I was very musical (!!) and actually let me sing the whole way through. I wonder if Jim Parsons heard that... ;)

After the filming we headed over to In'n'Out for burgers. It was kinda neat eating burgers at midnight in LA on a Tuesday. Except going to work sucked this morning. So tired.

Out.

ps. i want a pair of Superfine jeans real bad.

What happened to you out there?... Everything.

2009-02-09T12:43:00.000-08:00

Last night we visited with friends and had an absolute ball. We watched "Danny Deckchair" an aussie comedy that was hilarious. Although, I think I found it more hilarious than everyone else (of course). I recommend you watch the movie. Seriously funny. As are our friends. They find the small things in life funny, which I love.

Today is raining again, which I'm fine with. I'm thinking of going to the local cafe to do some reading.

On Friday I had my hair cut into a cute, very layered short do. At first I wasn't too sure about it. But as the compliments started rolling in, my confidence in the new "do" shot up. Fast forward to Monday at 1pm and I'm loving it.

I am going to take photo's of my apartment, I promise. I just didn't get time to tidy and clean on the weekend. We try to do it in the midweek so our weekends aren't a slave to housework. I get so bummed out if I work all week, do our usual routine then housework. You need to have time for fun, and have time at least over the weekend to enjoy some things you enjoy doing. So I need to engage in the ritual called housework after work tomorrow or Wednesday. Ah the joys of growing up and getting more responsible:)

So yesterday my friend and I hung out and grabbed a pint of guinness each at the local pub, went thrift store shopping and had our nails done. My husband and I played a boardgame Saturday afternoon and... that night had dinner with his family. All of them. Yikes. It was a mexican fiesta. I got to hear all the women rant on about their husbands. Needless to say I declined to enter into the conversation.

I don't have much else to report on for now. Its Monday. And I have a case of the Mondays. Time to go to the cafe and read a glossy mag.

Its good weather for ducks!

2009-02-06T14:03:00.000-08:00

Its raining here today - shock horror! It feels awkward because I'm no longer used to rain! But its kind of nice as well. I have my brolly with me and went for a short walk at lunch. I was at the corner and bumped into a friend who works near me. I teased her that she looked like a celebrity. She was dressed incognito - not on purpose, but for wet weather purposes. When she was afar I kept looking at her thinking "is it Talia...?" - just like you would if a celebrity walked past and you didn't quite know if it was them or a lookalike. We joked around, then she went on her way. Then this guy gets to the corner, looks around and says to me "Its good weather for ducks"!!! How hilarious is that?! I lost it laughing and explained I haven't heard that expression in many years. A colleague in Australia used to say it all the time - at a firm I worked at in my early 20's. The gentlemen in his 50s/60s pretty much made my day.

Today I'm getting my hair cut. I'm currently growing out all the brown - and I want my natural colour back. I haven't seen it since I was in my teenage years. I was thinking... if I don't grow it out now, I could get to 35 and start getting grey hair, without having seen my real hair colour for many, many years. Weird thought I know. But its Friday.

I'm looking forward to the weekend. Lots of splendid things planned which I'll blog about, if I don't get lazy.

I'm listening to the Smiths right now. "Please, please, please let me get what I want". Its a bit of a fave.

Roger out.

Things I want.. and would buy... if I had... money...

2009-02-04T16:26:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit in love with these pieces of clothing right now. Of course, like the rest of us, can't afford a whole lot just now. We just got wacked with an outrageous tax bill, which could buy a new car almost. Which is fine. If you pay it... means you must be earning it... (right?). It just means major cutting back on non-essentials! (how boring!)

I love the snap buttons on these skinny jeans! And I would love the floral dress. Alas, at almost US $200 - it will have to be admired from afar.

Honesty Award

2009-02-04T13:29:00.000-08:00

I received this award a while ago from Daring to Dream. But couldn't think of 10 things at the time. Well, now I can. So here goes.

1. I love 1940’s movies and movie stars. In fact last night I ordered a book off Amazon which features photo’s of 1940’s movie stars. Can’t wait to get it! I love a bit of glamour! And that women used to “dress” dress.

2. Once I cut almost all of the top part of my thumb off – I still barely have feeling in it. It was pretty traumatic. Each year in June I think that “it was this many years ago…” (happened June 2006). I remember my dear friend S having a sleepover with me the night it happened. We slept on couches. Such a good friend eh:) I have a lot of scars and had many accidents (very clumsy!). But that was the worst.

3. I’m 28 and still haven’t found my professional “groove” or “niche”. I don’t know what I’m good at yet, and want to figure it out soon. 30 is approaching! Not knowing what I want to be or do professionally scares me a little. I’d like to have it more together. I’d like to work from home, but wouldn’t we all.

4. I’m not very emotional. I literally cry maybe 3 times a year. If something upsets me I can have some quiet time and sleep it off. When I do cry, it’s the ugly cry. I’m sensitive to other people and their feelings and feel for other people. But I’m pretty resilient and rarely, if ever get offended. I think I had a few hard knocks in my late teens that hardened me up in life a little. I mean, I do get emotional about things... but can deal with things calmly.

5. I'm pretty sentimental and have kept every card sent to me. As well as movie tickets, receipts from dinners we've had that have been fun. My email box goes back to June 2003.

6. I wear jeans to work with converse sneakers or asic tigers every day, however have about 30 pairs of high heels in my closet. And the number keeps growing.

7. People always think I'm shy/quiet when they first meet me. I think its the English reservedness coming through. The line I always get is "we thought you were so quiet!". Sorry guys.

8. I’m more Australian than I ever realized before moving to the States. I love vegemite and the peace and quiet of Australia.

9. I love a laugh and to joke around with my friends. One of the biggest joys in life.

10. Brit rock is my favourite type of music. Its right up there. I’m beginning to appreciate American country music. Never thought that would happen.

Here were the rules posted with this:-

List 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep.

Anyone who wants to do this - go for it :) I'm simply impressed you made it through the 10 things. After years of doing questionnaires I've run out of new things to write...! I'm sorry if it sucked.

Life is too short to be quiet about it

2009-02-03T15:12:00.001-08:00

Just now I’m at work and listening to BB Brunes – a French punk/rock band. I really enjoy French punk music. Its eerily quiet at work, which makes me nervous. But everything in life has a way of working itself out, right. My friend said she tried going for an interview at a small office – no fewer than 15 people showed up. Yikes.

I think I’m starting to feel more at home here in the States. This sounds weird, but I think it has something to do with that I like my “space” more. Redecorating has made me not feel so “temporary” here and gave me a bit of a new lease on life in America, as I know it. I have been meaning to take some photo’s of our apartment, which I’ll do soon. I am still figuring out my decorating style and have been saving images from articles and blogs that I like. When I look at them all together there is a theme or style coming out. I’d post pics up, but haven’t for fear of copyright. For now, my home doesn’t fully reflect my style – but more than it did previously. We’ve done what we can so far within the restraints of time, space (mostly space) and money (ok, money is a big one also). Last weekend we changed our lamps, which was well overdue! Before I had a Chinese lantern style lamp – which I always wanted before. I finally got one and decided I didn’t like it after all!

Even though I’m feeling more settled here in the US of A these days, I still long for things at home. And other things. I long to have a dog. I adore having pets, and am anxiously waiting it out to have one.

Another thing I’d like is a ping pong table. That sounds weird, I know. But I love to play ping pong, listen to some music. Maybe because we did that a lot when we were kids.

My subject line: About a year ago a friend commented on my wearing hats and bright clothes a lot – and she said she is not bold enough to wear such things. I told her the above. That life is too short to be quiet about it. I don’t know where it came from, it was a random. I was reminded last night when a friend noted my bright dress and said “how did you and your husband get together? He is very conservative, and you’re totally not conservative”. It made me laugh. I’m conservative in some ways.

On Sunday night we hung out with some friends who are in their late 30’s. They have a 13 year old autistic son. They don’t usually have people over, but wanted to hang with us – and figured it was easier at their house, where their son is comfortable in his surroundings. So we went over, ate sushi and had a lovely evening laughing away. We don’t known them that well, but wanted to make an effort to get to know them more. They don’t get out much because of their circumstances – yet are so young. The couple are even way cooler than I knew or expected. Totally hilarious! We were cracking up all evening. We were also talking about our interests, and I asked Stephanie – what hers are – “erm… I’m boring. I don’t have any interests”. Huh? What? This shocked me! I didn’t know how to respond – and tried to cover up my awkwardness. I firmly believe in having your unique interests and developing those in life. Finding out what you’re good at… what you enjoy in life. Interests and hobbies enrich your life. Later on, when husband and I were driving home I mentioned it – and that it surprised me, and I couldn’t imagine not having things I’m super passionate about and can talk about endlessly. He made the good point that maybe Stephanie’s attentions have been focused on her son for the last 13 years. Yes. Probably right. It made me think of how self sacrificing Stephanie is. Something to truly admire.

Long overdue update

2009-02-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

Its Friday night and my husband and I were just at our friend’s house. Through the week I long for the weekend, and when it arrives I try to treasure every moment of it. Sometimes I get a little down when its all busy busy busy… and then you get a moment to breath and its “now what do I do”. You spend so much time wound up like a clock, the quiet time throws you.

Now its Tuesday morning, and I’m at work. I haven’t been feeling inspired to write lately. I go through spurts of writing. I’m like that in a lot of aspects of my life – going through phases, that don’t last long.

So back to the weekend. It ended up being full and delightful. Friday night we visited our good friends who cooked for us. We drank margarita’s and chatted the night away. Saturday afternoon we went to lunch with some friends, then in the afternoon my husband and i walked into our local village, hung out.. went to the bookstore, then walked home again by the beach. I made stirfry for dinner and we played a boardgame and watched “East of Eden”, which I’d never seen. James Dean’s character was a little weird in it. Sunday I decided I needed a sleep in, so slept in… did housework and then in the afternoon met up with a friend – we did a 23 mile bikeride! It felt fantastic to get the cobwebs out.

And now its back at work. I find myself daydreaming a lot at work right now, and feeling very tired. I have been vegetarian (although eating fish) for quite a while now. And I think its too much for my body. I’m not functioning well, and feeling tired & lethargic – not like me. So I’m introducing chicken back into my diet. I have been eating beans, lentils, eggs etc, but it seems its not enough protein for my body. Or not the kind of protein my body needs. Or maybe it just takes a while for your system to get used to it? One friend said it took him 4 months to feel good not eating meat. Yikes. So, I don’t eat red meat at all – but chicken I can do. I have always been weird about meat. Never eaten pork. Would spend all my time at the dinner table cutting off any trace of fat, or anything that resembled fat. I worry how to handle it when visiting friends – I don’t like to be too difficult “actually… I don’t eat meat”. Maybe for my close friends I’ll be honest about it, but grin & bear it when I don’t know someone too well, so as not to offend.

I have been eating a lot of cookies lately and carbs so am attempting to do the 3 day fruit flush – its so difficult! I want to detox my body, and get it prepped so I don’t have so many cravings for carbs. Right now I’m really craving cheerios and yoghurt!!!

Frenchman's Bay

2009-01-23T14:20:00.000-08:00

Here are some shots I took of a beach my Mum and I went to one afternoon in Western Australia. Frenchman's Bay. We had a picnic and walked up and down the beach. Beautiful.

I used to go snorkelling at this beach a lot, and found the prettiest shells for craft work.

C'est la vie

2009-01-21T13:49:00.000-08:00

Disappointment. I received an email letting me know the bag isn't being made anymore! Nuts! But its a positive in regard to my yearly budget. Its the year of saving for me. I'm horrified by my spending habits and am making a big effort to cut back. I even returned a pair of jeans the other day. I already own almost 10 pairs of jeans that fit nicely. They might fit perfectly into my boots... but they aren't necessary.

I don't believe in New Year Resolutions. But at the beginning of the year I become suspiciously organised and write a list of things I want to do in the year. I often have ideas but never follow through on them. My husband and I have been talking a lot in regards to our goals, and along with budgeting we are closer to being able to achieve our goals. Those aside, there are little hobbies and interests I'd like to pursue. I know everyone is busy, but often I get so caught up with "busy-ness" that I don't get to actively pursue any personal hobbies and try something new. I mean, I do some things I love. Like bikeriding often, going to the beach most days, playing piano, reading books etc. (that sounds like a lot now I think about it) - but I'd like to try something new and different.

Here is my list. I'd like to do at least one of these things this year:-

Take up pilates
Take a sewing course
Learn french

"He who is brave is free".

Bag Lady

2009-01-16T11:40:00.000-08:00

My black one is looking old and dodgy, so I need a new one. Here's the two I'm thinking of... and I'm not sure which out of the two I prefer...

I know they look very similar. But I'm leaning towards the first.

Reader Request

2009-01-16T11:27:00.000-08:00

Professional Synopsis. Everything is illuminuated. Spoiler Alert!!!

My friend Dr Sub wanted to know more about Everything is Illuminated. I don't know if that means more of my opinions on this brilliant movie, or a synopsis. I think I've made it pretty clear how much I enjoyed this movie, so here is the rundown.

J.S.Foer is the young, moody, quiet, quirky and intelligent writer. He collects things to “remember” or so he doesn’t “forget” – at the beginning of the movie you are given a glimpse of his room which has ziplock bags all over it with “memories” inside. He is an American of Jewish descent, and wants to know more about his family and heritage. He travels to Ukraine and meets up with Alex (who speaks poor English, but is the interpreter) and Alex’s grandpa. These two characters are not without their quirks also. One of my favourite lines (from Alex) “Many girls want to be carnal with me... because I'm such a premium dancer!”. Alex is confident, cocky, stylish (in his own 1990's way) and a confused young man. His grandpa a sad, grumpy old man.

Alex & Grandpa get paid to take Jonathan to Odessa. Along with them is Grandpa’s crazy dog. They go on this journey and learn about their history, heritage, the Grandpa revisits his youth and Alex & JS.Foer become good friends. Jonathan collects things along the way and puts them in plastic Ziploc bags. That is my brief and rather humble synopsis.

Might I also add that Elijah Wood is a premium actor :)

I want to ride my bicycle... I want to ride my bike

2009-01-16T08:55:00.000-08:00

This morning was delightful. I woke up and it was a sunny morning here in California. So, I decided to ride my bike to work. I love to get a little exercise in before work, before I sit at a cubicle for the next 4 hours until my lunch break. I'm an outdoors person through & through yet have always had desk jobs. Go figure. Some exercise before work breaks it up a bit and makes the morning seem worthwhile. I did another one of my favourite things - grabbing a decaf coffee half an hour after I arrived on the job. I've always loved the coffee run. And I'm loving American coffee. With milk of course. I'm not that American. America fails in the making of a good cappuccino though. I'm reminded of this every time I go home to Oz. I guess each country has their specialty. In Australia you can get one of the best cappuccino's you'll ever taste. Strong, dark and handsome;)Its a big call I know. America - filtered coffee with a kick. England - you won't get a better cuppa tea than in the UK. There is this british shop around the corner from my work, and I always go there for PG Tips teabags. PG Tips is a good strong tea.

My husband and I watched "Everything is Illuminated". I love how J.S.Foer incorporates quirky key sayings into his novels. I'd love to say everything is "premium" - just like Alex in Everything is Illuminated. And "I have heavy boots" when I'm feeling down, as did Oskar (Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close). I plan on dropping them from time to time and getting a kick out of people looking at me dazed and confused.

Last night we visited with our friends who have so much quirk you can poke a stick at it. We laughed so hard I thought the landlord would kick us out. We watched The Office & 30 Rock. I have to say - In my humble opinion, the American version of the Office has way surpassed that of the British version. I watched a couple episodes of the british version, and found it crude, vulgar and felt like it wasn't really going anywhere. I enjoy how the American version seems to be be getting funnier as time goes on. And applaud the writers in the way they have developed the characters. What I'm wondering is when Pam & Jim will set a date?!

The said coats below ebayed for astronomical prices. One of them for almost $250. Sheeeeesh!

Glamour

2009-01-15T13:41:00.000-08:00

Here are two faux fur coats I was hoping to win on ebay. The first is now $90+ and the second was at $26 this morning and just skyrocketed up to $81. I will have to admire from afar. But they are so beautiful and glamorous.

She was Mine Too...

2009-01-15T12:05:00.000-08:00

Cloudstreet is the name of the book I'm reading. I tried reading it back in... about 2002. My friend gave me a copy of it and I got half way through, without really appreciating the book. Years later, and the second time around - I'm enjoying it a lot. I love all the australian-isms in the book.

I'm at work right now. And its a nice day so far. Today I woke up without a sore throat. I'm so happy to be feeling "normal" again! Its a beautiful day here, so am planning on going for a run down at the beach and a bikeride after work.

A few months back we saw an Irish duo (from the movie "Once") live. They were very good. What I enjoyed more was the backup band: Wine & Iron. I'm listening to them right now...

I don't think I mentioned, I was very excited to eat curry in Australia. But Perth indian food disappointed me in a great way. So much so, I'm feeling a bit "over" indian food. I like my own curry's. I'm looking forward to going to Sydney soon (in May!) and going to my favourite Indian restaurants. I'm actually making a Korma tonight with lentils!

Ever seen "Rushmore"? I watched it for the first time the other night and thoroughly enjoyed it. What a great movie. In a few weeks I'm going to a party with the theme "Wes Anderson characters". Interesting eh?! So, I'm going as Max, from Rushmore. I bought some black glasses and a red beret from ebay yesterday.

Bang!

2009-01-14T16:17:00.000-08:00

I'm in a blogging rut... I know it! Mainly because I have been sick for 2 weeks now. This flue hit me for a sixer, and after 13 days I still have a sore throat. I feel it getting slightly better. Today is the first day in 2 weeks I haven't had headache pills.

I heard anti biotics can give women yeast infections?! Yow! So, although I have some (visited my dr on Monday!) - I'm holding out.

Last night my husband, friends and I went up to LA to see "Big Ban Theory" - alas didn't get in, so ventured into Hollywood. I love LA. I mean, its seedy in parts. But so full of life and inspiration in other parts (aka the "nice" parts) I thoroughly enjoy my visits up there. While I love to live so close to the beach, I miss the eclectic and artsy feel city's have to offer.

We went to this old restaurant/bar with autographed photo's of famous people on the walls. The restaurant was lovely with a nice feel to it. The name of the bar is "The Dresden Room". Where Swingers was filmed:)

Later on, after walking the streets and visiting the bookshops that were still open, we went back and had a drink at the bar while listening to bluesy, romantic tunes by the singer, bass player and pianist.

It was a nice way to spend our Tuesday night. It was good to do something different.

My husband had dressed like Sheldon. So everywhere we hung out in Hollywood last night... my husband looked like Sheldon... :)

Back in the game?

2009-01-05T12:23:00.000-08:00

G'day friends. I haven't been blogging since being back as I've had a bug and now the flue! I google'd the differences between the common cold and flue, its the flue for sure. My guess is I caught it on the plane.

Australia was wonderful! I don't know where to start! Firstly the weather. My flight to Perth went really well - quickly. I sat between two young guys named Andrew, the 3 of us chatted most of the way. One of the Andrew's is originally from Melbourne, but studying to be a professor in Philadelphia. The other Andrew (who wasn't full of himself like the first Andrew!) lives in Orange County. Super nice (and good looking!).

I got into Perth and firstly noticed how bright it is there. It might sound weird, but the sun seems to shine brighter on the West Coast of Australia than anywhere else I've ever been. The sun also scorches you more than anywhere else. 10 minutes and you feel your arm burning. No kidding. Its one of the worst places for skin cancer. Australia gets a lot of UV radiation. Needless to say I lathered myself in sunscreen and hat the whole trip. And managed to not get burnt.

I got picked up from the airport by my mates Greg & Rich and we just hung out while I dealt with jetlag. My aunt & uncle & cousins picked me up the next day and we made the trip down to the south west. 4 hours in the car. Sausage rolls along the way with tomatoe sauce. So good!!! I love WA bakeries!

I spent lots of time at the beach of course. And spent a lot of time with friends and my Mum who was super excited to have me there. I got to see friends I haven't seen in many years. If anyone reading this ever gets to go to the beaches in the south west of WA - you're in for a treat. They are up there in top beaches of the world. The sand is soft and powdery texture, white. And each time I go back I feel surprised at how crystal clear the water is. WA is so untouched.

The wedding went off brilliantly! It was such a country WA wedding!!! Very laid back. After the ceremony we went to a place called "Strawberry Hill Farm". We did barn dancing (Waves of Bondi) and everyone brought a rug, foldup chairs and chit chatted and ate scones with cream & jam. I loved it! Such a lovely afternoon. The sun was shining and it wasn't too hot. Everyone was so happy for the new couple.

After the afternoon tea I really needed a "drink" drink. Ie glass of wine. I had been catching up with people all day and was feeling really overwhelmed. So headed to "The Albany" for a glass of wine and wrote a card to my cousin & his new wife.

That evening the family got together with the new couple and we had a dinner and drinks. There were speeches and the like. Such a lovely time was had by all.

On the way home I drove on the wrong side of the road! Aaaghh! Thankfully there is hardly any traffic on the roads in WA so I quickly corrected myself when seeing a car coming towards me!

Now I'm back in the States and all confused when driving. I have to remember "right side... right side". I keep flicking on my wipers instead of indicator. I'm good at driving different sides of the roads (whichever applicable to said country!) but if I'm tired need to remember which side exactly. Its hard when there are no other cars around!

So now I'm home and trying to get better. My husband was all "you're so lucky... you get to stay home". Whatever. Staying home is fun when you feel good. I'd rather be feeling good and able to work and go for a run at lunch.

On the weekend I dragged my husband to Ikea. We live in a 1 bedroom apartment that is pretty small. If we're living here for a couple more years, I need things to be more organized. My living room has been driving me crazy. I feel like no matter how much I clean and tidy... it still never really looks tidy. So we bought better shelving, cute boxes and we'll be sorting it out. I'm looking forward to seeing the results.

Off to bed. I'll post some photo's soon. Mum has them in the mail...

Back in the game

2009-01-01T10:49:00.000-08:00

I'm back from the land of Oz. What a trip. I don't even know where to begin. How about firstly with the wedding. It went smoothly and without a hitch. (except yes, they did get hitched, pardon the unintended pun).

There was barn dancing (waves of Bondi), cups of tea and scones with cream & jam - and lots of good company. I got to see friends I haven't seen in years and family members I love.

Below is a picture of Mum & I. We stayed together for a night in Perth, like old times.

Today's the day...

2008-12-21T13:34:00.000-08:00

Today I'm flying out and am feeling anxious! I have magazines in tow, book (Everything is Illuminated) and diary to write in. Too much luggage of course. I get super nervous about flying, and just read a report about a plane crash in Texas (i think). Just what you need to hear upon boarding a 21 hour flight! Sheesh!

This afternoon I'm baking choc chip cookies for my husband. I figured it would make him happy for a few days while I'm gone. I was out with my colleagues the other night, and the girls were shocked I was leaving my husband for 10 days. They said they wouldn't trust their husbands/partners for that long (?!). One of my colleagues said she wouldn't leave her partner for more than 2 days. Another said she wouldn't leave her husband for more than 5 days. Not because of the "i miss you too much" factor. But the trust factor. I feel kind of shocked at that. I just hate to go because I feel "all wrong" without my husband with me. we married so we could be together, not apart. However, in our circumstances I have to make long trips once a year or so, by myself.
Thoughts? My colleagues are in long term relationships with devoted partners. I think you need to have trust in a relationship.

So this afternoon I think we're hanging out, its such a beautiful day here. I'll try and find an internet booth while in Oz.

Watch this space.

Lamington THAT!

2008-12-19T09:24:00.000-08:00

Today is my last day at work before going on vacation for almost two weeks. Yeehaaa!!! I’m more excited about the prospect of sleeping in until whenever I want most days as opposed to being in Australia! The vacation is much needed. I mean, I AM looking forward to being in Australia – but not the flight over there. It’s a ridiculously long flight. I have concentration/hyperactivity issues as it is. Do you think I can focus on a book or movie or anything long enough that will get me through that flight in a sane manner? Exactly. Some people love it. Like my husband. Truly. He packs his “bag-o-fun” (his name for it… not mine, although I do think it funny in a 9 year old kinda way) – and looks forward to reading comic books, watching movies, reading books and playing video games for 20 hours. For me, who is overly energetic, mischievous and obnoxious… its not as fun. I have this great memory of flying to Brisbane, Australia from Perth… circa 1999/2000. Miss R and I were so excited about our trip and found everything terribly amusing. We had this flight attendant “Greg” (his real name, not a fake/phony name) who called us the troublemakers at 50 D&E. He served everyone dinner and left us until last. We video taped him and everything else on the plane. We were about 20 when we took that flight. When I’m bored everything cracks me up. When I get into those moods my husband hates it. He finds it annoying and turns on the X-Box. Poor but lovely man.hehe.

Last night we got together with friends and I made English scones with cream & jam (which are nothing like American scones). I didn’t know how they’d go down with our American friends, but they were a hit! All 15 went. I was pretty stoked. English scones are difficult to get right. If you open the oven they don’t rise. Ingredients have to be room temperature… or they don’t rise. You can’t twist the cookie cutter… or they end up weirdly shaped. Etc etc. There are a million little rules. So you imagine my delight when they turned out perfectly! I searched the internet and even went on google.co.uk to find the perfect recipe. Real English scones don’t have sugar in them. Eating them with strawberry jam and fresh whipped cream (no sugar!) is perfect. The jam provides the perfect amount of sweet! Alas, my diet suffered last night when I inhaled too many scones and lamingtons. My aussie friend made a bunch of lamingtons which were perfect. I took one home and ate it at 2pm this morning. Shocker!

Tonight is my Company’s end of year dinner. We’re going to a sushi restaurant. I dress so casually for work, chuck hair up in a ponytail, and don’t usually wear makeup. It’s a very laid back environment. However, I do get to wear cool, laidback clothes. There, its said. Jeans are a woman’s best friend.

So tonight, I’m thinking of “upping the ante”. Getting my hair blowdried at the hairdressers, chucking on a cute dress and pair of boots. Plus, it’s the last weekend my husband sees me before I go to Australia. He’s big on hair. If I’m wearing a blah outfit, but my hair looks great – he is delighted. He’s all about the hair. Needless to say, my colleagues will be shocked. They are used to me looking like a boy most of the time. Last year it was a bit of a wow factor seeing my female colleagues dressed up. One of the girls I work with is absolutely gorgeous. But you’d never know at work! She always has her baseball cap on, no makeup, tracksuit, flip flops. You get the picture. When she dresses up we all raise our eyebrows and realize what a hottie we have been working with the last year.

I should finish this entry. Its turning into one entire irrelevant ranting fest. See you when you’re older.

For those of you wondering what the hell a lamington is, here's a picture. Let me say this - its a handful of cakey delight!

And English Scones. I know they look great... but don't flip you're wig!

Within Budget!

2008-12-17T13:19:00.000-08:00

So lately it has been my goal to spend less. And I think I've done pretty well. I was reading a post from Sassy Nerd who has wonderful taste in clothes! The post was about Love Quotes scarves. They went on sale, and I have been looking everywhere (without luck). Well, I ordered one in charcoal ($62 from $88) - it is so soft and beautiful. I'm loving it! Thanks for the tip!! Its going wonderfully with my winter wardrobe.

Thought for the day..

2008-12-15T11:12:00.001-08:00

"When we are unhappy with ourselves, it is usually because we are preoccupied with comparing ourselves to others."

Ok I'll stop already

2008-12-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

I was complaining about weather. It IS cold in the mornings. It has its moments. But I've been walking on the beach every day in my lunchbreak while its sunny. So I'm just going to formally apologize for my complaining about the weather. Ok. There it is.

TGIF. I've been in a pretty bad mood each morning this week. Not sleeping so good, and waking up dreading the day ahead. Usually I wake up pretty alert and excited to be alive. But not this week. I'm really looking forward to the weekend, and going on holiday next weekend. You know when you get to the point of REALLY needing a holiday? (holiday = vacation in America. Sorry folks, can't drop that expression).

Its bloody cold!

2008-12-10T08:57:00.000-08:00

Its 55 degrees farenheit right now. Which translates to 12.7 degrees celcius. How freezing is THAT?! Last night I put the heater on before going to bed.

When I was 22 I lived in England (during the winter). Its very freezing there. But everyone uses central heating - all day/all night. So it feels colder here!

11am thoughts

2008-12-09T10:54:00.000-08:00

This morning I've been thinking about a bunch of things. I just finished my "non fat, decaf, tall latte with sugar free caramel syrup". How American does that sound? What will happen when I move home one day? I'll tell you what. I've flagrantly become a high maintenance customer who knows what I want! Loving all the options available in America. And in Australia, people in cafe's will look at me like "you've gotta be kidding luv!".

I love Jennifer Connelly's eyebrows. I love that they're so bushy and bold, but well shaped. On the weekend I visited the Anastasia salon to get my eyebrows shaped. I've become a fan of thick, well groomed eyebrows. They make such a statement. I'm well happy with the job Anastasia did on my eyebrows. I have always had thicker eyebrows (thanks Mum!), but didn't keep them groomed as a teenager. Figured it out more in my 20's. I've been working at letting my eyebrows grow out a bit more (like the lovely ladies at Anastasia said to!) - and its going well.

What is your take on eyebrows? What look do you like? I know not everyone likes the thick eyebrows. I guess it also depends on what you like to highlight about yourself. Your best assets.

I'm getting excited about my up and coming trip Down Under. I'm trying to lose a few pounds, and also bought some Spanx to help me out a bit! Everyone has been going on about them for a long time, I thought the wedding the perfect opportunity to wear some! And it won't give me the opportunity to let my stomach out in family photo's!!!

I'm looking at getting some highlights in my hair this weekend. Its growing out blonde so quickly right now, and I need something to even it up. I'm kind of nervous about it. Any suggestions from people who get highlights? What to ask for? I have no experience in this area. Although I have saved some images of highlights I like.

Unprofessional Review: Australia

2008-12-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

Last night I watched “Australia” with Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman. Went with my aussie friend & her hubby. A good choice. We were cracking up laughing the whole time! I absolutely LOVED this movie. Everything about it. The location. Their truthful portrayal of the Aboriginal way of life and history with the Stolen Generation (unbelievable that this went on until the mid 1970’s). And I loved the storyline. Nicole Kidman’s fake british accent reminded of that of Renee Zellweger’s in Bridget Jones’ Diary – but her character got better as the movie went on. And Hugh Jackman. Well. I’ve never been a huge Jackman fan – because I haven’t seen many of his movies. But crikey he’s hot!

There were so many Australian expressions that were cracking my friend Anna and I up. We couldn’t stop laughing the first half of the movie. “Bloody” was used in every second sentence.

I cannot recommend this movie enough. I’ll be going back for a second time, that’s for sure. The critics gave it some unwarranted horrible reviews. However I have heard so many people say they really enjoyed this movie. I don’t think you can listen to the critics. We are all but human beings with different likes, interests and opinions.