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;)
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The November List
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:-
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:-
Monday, September 26, 2011
Red Tide
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!)
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!)
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Three months but whose counting
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.
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.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Checking Out
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
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
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
“Nothing in fine print is ever good news.” - Andy Rooney
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")
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")
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
And it was called yellow
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.
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.
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