Doing What I Do

Its been a couple of months aye?... I guess time really flies when you are Living.
I have been up to quite a bit- so much so, I'm not really sure where to start!

Went and visited my house-mate's Alma Mater- Melbourne University

Love these Girls!!!

While we were at Melb Uni the little one, Zerena, asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up... AND

Just a few weeks prior, Emma & I were discussing places to visit w/ deals (2Kids&2Adults)

Lily chimes in and suggested we pretend Kristin is an Adult :p... 

I'm confident I still have them fooled!

Plumping up the Kangaroo before I eat 'em!

I had a Kangaroo Burger! But No, its not like lobster in the sense you pick it out before you eat it...

In my head, Kangaroo is to Beef as Duck is to Chicken.

(more rich in flavor and not consumed E.v.e.r.y. Day)

Most of my free-time has been spent training for the Melbourne 13.1 Miler Race aka 21K

The big day was in July- I had a goal to finish in 2Hrs and ended up with a finish time of 1:55.

Could not have been happier...

Achieved a PB on a half-marathon AND Officially an International Athlete!

I have plans to run a simple 13K race before I leave through some beautiful vineyards!

 Of course it will end with some wine tasting, purchasing, and hopefully grape-stomping!

The Infamous Phillip Island

Can I look any more like a tourist?!?

Phillip Island is best known as the Penguin Parade and one of Australia's most popular wildlife attractions. It is home to the smallest penguin who's back feathers happen to be Blue rather than Black due to camouflaging when floating in the Ocean.

Unfortunately for you, but fortunately for the Penguins- tourists are not allowed to take pictures. Sooooo you get another one of ME :D

My lovely friends, Melinda (pictured) & Louise (not pictured) came up for a girls weekend!

It was awesome to get to play with some of my Brissy friends down in my new playground, Melbourne.

I have had a few other friends fly through; its been nice to have a quick catch up and see additional friendly faces in a place you once knew no-one :)

Questions on most people's minds:

• How's Work? It is going well! My last official day of work is August 31st.
• How is your Melbourne home? Aww I love it! I live with an inspirational mother-of-two and Two stunning girls I think I have learned more from than I have taught them.
• When are you coming back, if ever? I will be back in September, but I have yet to book the flight, so the day is unknown.

On a side note, I DID book a trip with Minh, my Bestest down here, for 6 Days in Vanuatu
A sunshine filled vacation is exactly what I will need before getting back into Chicago-life.

 I have quickly learned barely anyone from back home knows where Vanuatu is, hence the map



Overall, Australia has been more of a blessing than I ever expected it to be. The lessons I have learned in addition to the relationships I have built, have exceeded my personal expectations. The biggest lesson being about relationships- its more in relation to what I think is appropriate to tolerate & not and the strength to recognize and let go of friendships that are. have been. may be in the future. Over. There are people I thought I would stay in better contact w/ while I was out here and one's that have surprised me and our relationship has blossomed to new heights. I have had a hard time being able to acknowledge my own personal development and knowing its not necessarily in the same direction as I wish it was with certain people. In short, living so many miles away for what-will-be about 9 months, it had to be expected.

On the other side of things- my favorite or as the Australians spell it Favourite part about home since I've been here is receiving emails or a phone calls or facebook messages of ways my friends have stepped out of their comfort zone and done something. It may not have been quitting their job and moving to Australia but it was something they wished to personally work on and either took the right steps to accomplish their goal or gave themselves the push they needed. Not one regretted what they have done- if I'm being honest Each has seemed Happier. Its quite beautiful if you ask me.

I feel very blessed to be here and am so thankful for all of the support I receive back home especially from my dad&mom, in which I now refer to as RC. I've recognized a lot of my strength as a free spirit w/ an old soul comes from them- they are one of a kind. P.e.r.f.e.c.t. in my eyes. i appreciate that they let me make my own decisions, give advice when I Ask, and let me live the beautiful life they gave a foundation to.

As always Love. Respect. Experience. XX

Refuse to Wait

100th Rememberance of the Titanic Tragedy.

 Celebrated the Lives Lived that passed away on April 14th, 1912

 at a Dinner-Show replicated like the Titanic.

I find the similarity of the Titan novel and the Titanic incredible. In addition to similarities with Nostradamus and world events. Do you think its simliar to like our own intuition, like our souls know what we are suppose to do but our bodies actually need to act it out?  But LIKE obviously on a larger scale...

 

Date	1898 (Date of novel)	1912 ( Date of tragedy)
Name	The Titan	The Titanic
Disaster	North Atlantic	North Atlantic
Route	New York to Liverpool	Southampton to New York
Voyage	third ever	first ever
Causes	Iceberg collision Excessive speed Too few lifeboats ‘As few as the law allowed’	Iceberg collision Excessive speed Too few lifeboats ‘As few as Board of Trade regulations permitted
Occurred in	April, at night	Collision 14th April, 11.40pm
Ship called	Largest ship afloat Greatest of the works of man	Largest ship afloat A wonder of the age Unsinkable

Seriously, read up on that if you never have before.

What else have I been up to besides my pretty consistant photos of myself

and my true love Coffee, preferably iced! Haha- I know as I said that my Mom

just cringed! Over 5 Years at Starbucks I am bound to have an addiction; it just happens
to be with cold coffee-based beverages!

Work has been very great & consistant, and I have made some near and dear friends there. Overall, I guess I have been focusing A LOT on myself- when else will I get a Chance like this?

When I first signed up to come to Australia, I decided to make a promise to myself. Depending on how well you know me- I take the "P" word literally to heart.

(To put into perspective, this is how I feel about promises) 

I promised I would be more open with my outside world aka YOU, my family, friends, & blog readers. I would try and not hold thoughts and feelings back AND really make it so you could experience not necessarily Australia but rather Life from my point of view. I saw this as something that could only be both beneficial for myself on MY Quest and You on Yours-

"I don't know where I am going, but I AM on my way."

Life. What do we know about it? We know its short (both in spelling and time); it can flash before our eyes (during a "near death" experience I had, I would like to argue that it actually goes in slow motion); it has its own board game and TV channel; we each get ONE; And there will always be an "if" in life.

Of course, life has its secrets. I know I am not the only one who thinks about what the secret to life is, but to be honest I think I figured it out... The Secret to Life is- Life will always have its Secrets; as will each of us...

HOWEVER, it is No Secret that life comes with no gaurantees, no time outs, no second chances.

At first I was going to ask "why do people wait for something bad to happen to them?" but as I wrote that I decided that is not what I am trying to convey that something "bad" has to happen for people to start living. So instead, I am curious, Why Do People Wait? Why Do We Wait?! So many, push things off- I'll start working out tomorrow; I'll start my diet tomorrow; I'll call and apologize to them tomorrow; I'll start saving my money tomorrow for a trip to Hawaii. Why not start right at that second?... We only get so many tomorrows and One Day we will not even get that. Think about it.

Live. Create Opportunities. Laugh Often & At Yourself. Attempt Challenges. Refuse to Wait.

As Always: Love, Respect, Experience

Australian or American?

Fun Fact- More People Die from Hippo-Attacks than Sharks

(At Werribee Open Range Zoo)

So it is finally happening! Or at least now I can start to notice the changes- I'm becoming a proper Aussie...

1. I am completely use to cars driving on the left side of the road and walking on the left instead of the right. I actually roll my eyes at people who walk on the right side AND find it rude! ;)
2. When crossing the street, I instinctively look: Right, Left, Right instead of Left, Right, Left. I remember when I lived in London they assisted this learning-process by having it painted on the ground (I think it was specifically for tourists). In AU one learns so one does not die.
3. On Saturday, I naturally said that I had the next "Shout" aka round of Grown-Up Beverages. In addition, earlier that week my friend heard me say, "I was buggered."- I denied I said such a thing BUT I'm starting to think maybe I really was too buggered that I actually said that! (aka Tired)
4. When I watched my first Footy game I felt like I had been watching the game for years... I didn't even know what was going on BUT I caught myself oooing and clapping when certain plays were made. I still do not know all of the rules, but I do have a better understanding of the AFL after this weekend. (Knowing I would have to pick a team, I chose the Geelong Cats who were recently victorious!) It is actually an exciting game to watch- very action packed!
5. Last but not least of my most recent observations- while hanging out with one of my favorite girls and her family for Easter, I was talking to one of her relatives and he told me I really didn't have that strong of an accent. I have a feeling when I talk to people in Australia I sound different than when I talk to someone back home... I'm not saying I have a full blown Australian accent because I definitely do not, but there are little vocal mannerisms I have picked up.
6. On a side note Slash number six, I do not miss Ranch Dressing. Not sure if I have shared that before, but Ranch is VERY uncommon here. The only place I have seen it is at a few Subways... I use to love Ranch. (Sweet Chili is now my topping of choice)
7. I honestly meant to stop at 5 but I keep thinking of things :D I find it very natural when you meet or say goodbye to someone to now "kiss" on the right cheek.
8. I laughed at all of the Australian classic movies that I have seen thus far such as the "Castle", "Kenny" & "Muriel's Wedding". I forewarn you Now, if you choose to watch these- Australia has a bit different humor than the American films you are use to OHhh, AND the same like 3 actors play a part in like every movie :)
9. AND Sometimes when real people talk I cannot even tell if they have an accent or not, same with some TV shows... It is So Weird!

At My 1st Footy Game! Definitely will never forget

it ESPECIALLY since we ran out of gas on the way

home. My friend Jacinta never disappoints when it comes

to adventures (She is the same one who I helped almost

burn down a kitchen making tacos) Heart Her!

Australian is not the only other nationality I have become.
On random nights when I go out I may or may not be Canadian. In your mind you are probably thinking WHY would she? HOW could she say that? Welllllll since the Canadians are insulted if you ask if they are from the states many people will first ask if I am from Canada. I simply smile and say, "Yes, Toronto to be exact." And then the conversation kind of just ends there or maybe we talk about ice-fishing for a minute or two... and then it leads back into whatever is happening in our surroundings.

However, if I am in the mood to tell someone where I really am from... every single person I have met instantly decides I know everything there is to know about America from each states economic status to Bobby-Joe who lives in Mississippi to where THEY flew into when THEY came over to the U.S. to visit. I have even been shown random pictures of landscape and asked if I know where it is... I swear its like a fun game to some :D I always play...

Lioness at Werribee Zoo eating a lite lunch.
I probably resembled something similar with my story below.

At times I feel like an animal from the Zoo people come over to watch for a little as they scoop Italian Ice into their mouths (no one has actually done this mainly because I do not think Italian Ice exists here) For example, last week for lunch I was running late so I just grabbed my container of peanut-butter. My company brings in fresh fruit every week to encourage healthy snacking, so I thought- Perfect, I will just cut up a few apples scoop it in my PB and boom Lunch! Well who would have thought I would have turned into the center of lunch conversation over an Apple and PB. Needless to say, no one eats PB and Banana sandwiches either... They have most definitely been missing out!

Work AND My New Home are FABULOUS (and that is an understatement)! I am beyond happy! I live in a suburb of Melbourne known as Thornbury. It is about a 20 min train ride into work each morning- quick and easy! Added bonus- people rarely have B.O. in Melbs as to compared to the bus rides in Brissy.

Through a website known as GumTree similar to CriagsList but actually safe, I found a family to live with. My housemates are Emma and her two little girls Lily (7) and Zerena (5). Emma is completely amazing- someone I found myself instantly looking up to. She has multiple degrees, works daily with autistic kids, is an inspirational Life Coach, outgoing and caring, & ALWAYS has time for her princesses with a genuine smile on her face. I never feel that rushed feeling from her that oozes out of people back home, and half the time parents are still barely even around for their kids. I guess it is just nice to see parents like mine still exist and when people choose to have a family they still make time for them rather than having it looked good on a "resume". Her daughters are simply amazing and well-mannered. I can go on for days about each of their spectacular personalities- I honestly could not have asked for a better family to live with and love while I am in Australia.

Lily and Myself on the Safari :D

Emma & her baby Zerena while we wait for the lion to be fed.

My life overall is Froth. I never want to stop travelling. I do wish more people focused on who they have in their lives though rather than the materialistic objects they wish to obtain. People are generally good-hearted and we all have different people in our lives for a different reason. It may be a friend who can make you smile when you don't even want to or perhaps you have someone you know you can turn to at the worst of times (even if you have not spoken to them in a few months) and know they have your back; To teaching us about the love parents have for their child or the obligations brothers feel to protect us to the special friendship between sisters... I know I usually encourage you to do something with your life, and live it but do not ever get to busy for your friends and family. I really want you to tell the people you love what they mean to you and apologize if you recently got angry at them especially if it was over something silly like not changing the channel or eating the last piece of cake etc. Life is Too Short, You Never Can Really Know What Tomorrow Holds.

Make an extra effort to make someone smile- perhaps they will pay it forward. Make time for your family and friends besides for just around the holidays. And in the long run, waking up 15 minutes earlier just to make your kids a homemade lunch or your husband breakfast is a simple but kind act and can completely change how they can look and live the rest of their day.

Where I spent Easter. Bundalong, Victoria near Yarrawonga

Love. Respect. Experience. XX

Brisbane to the En Zed to Cairns to Melbourne...

Holding Jeffers from Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

I strongly believe what is meant to happen will- what we are suppose to discover and learn about ourselves AND each other, We. Will. It may not always be the quickest route, but eventually we will get there... one way or another. Even if we detour off our plan and go with the flow of what we think is suppose to be the next step, we will get pulled back to what our heart truly desires.

This past month I have pretty much been a wanderer with limited access to wi-fi and the lack of knowledge of where I may be "staying" with my tomorrow. I have overcome challenges, created my own opportunities, and I never gave up even when I had my doubts. I know I've learned more about myself this past month than most do in a year. And no, its not because I am travelling in a foreign country, but rather because I have decided to trust the system and open my heart & eyes to what is in front of me... Not Behind. I am conscious of my surroundings and accepting everyone I come in contact with as a teacher.

I last left off when I had decided to travel to a new country, New Zealand. I lived in an area known as Dairy Flat (a suburb of Auckland); it was quaint and beautiful, but just not me. If there is such a thing, life was too simple...

My Backyard in NZ

My friend Shannon had planned a 6 week trip. We were able

to catch up in NZ at a winery :) as well as Brisbane

and we took a weekend trip to the Great Barrier Reef

staying in Cairns.

After about two-weeks, I got word from the job I originally planned on working when I booked my holiday to Australia and decided to head back to Brisbane early. I finally admitted to myself the job I came over here to do, may never actually be "ready" for me. I sat down with my HR contact and we explored different options of what I would be interested in- I was honest with her and told her exactly what I wanted out of the entire experience, how I expect it to position me in my future, and what I would be willing to do to ensure I achieved it. With that, I moved from Brisbane to Melbourne (last Tuesday) and have started my adventure all over again.

Off to our snorkeling day trip to the Great Barrier Reef

Melbourne City

I hope you are doing something for yourself and not allowing yourself to ever get in a rut. I hope you consciously make an effort everyday to make at least one person smile and trust the "system". I hope you know it is not what it is but rather what you make it. And I hope, you fight for everything you truly want.

Love. Respect. Experience.

Keeping My Head Above Water

Some may look at it as I had TWO options: I could Sink or I could Swim. And I'll be honest at first that is how I viewed it, but I then remembered "Everything Happens for a Reason." This "happening" definitely assists in keeping my head above water, in addition to an opportunity I have been given that I never would have (most likely) done while I was here.

Most are probably wondering what I am talking about. Without going into too much detail- The company I came over here to work for is a company that employs based on the contracts it has made for the year. Unfortunately, the type of contract I need to be written is one after a Natural Disaster has hit and insurance companies need to further outsource "resources". Not in a Million Years would I wish for such a thing to happen to anyone- so I have chosen to be patient with my company and wait. I feel as if it would be a good experience at the end of the day, and I honestly respect the company for how they are handling "My" Situation.

In the meantime, I will technically not be employed. No, I do not have a timeline of when I think I will start working, but I can promise you I'm fine monetarily AND I am just going to enjoy this ride. And yes, of course I could sit here and talk some one's head-off with complaints, but to be honest that seems like a waste of time. I would rather put my feet in the sand and run into the Pacific Ocean- need I remind you, I am LIVING IN AUSTRALIA! I am really, really happy right now.

So what is my opportunity? What do I get to do and see that originally I really had not planned on, unless it was a layover I booked. I'm jumping ship and heading to New Zealand. I leave February 18th aka NEXT Saturday! This is BY FAR the most spontaneous thing I have ever done and It Is Exhilarating. For now I have it booked to stay until March 9th since NZ requires a return-ticket back to Australia for you to step foot in. I have a trip planned to the Great Barrier Reef with two friends from the states. I know, I know I live a rough life- but I learned at a very young age, it is what YOU make it. Side Note slash Fun Fact- Twenty-seven NZ's fit into Australia. In addition, instead of being 16hrs ahead I will now be 19hrs! I may stay in NZ for up to two months- we shall see and I will definitely keep you updated. Another added bonus- when I do start work, I will have a better understanding of the Kiwi Culture and maybe see some of the earthquake's impacts first-hand. For those who are unaware, New Zealanders are referred to as Kiwi's and according to Wikipedia "it is because the name derives from the kiwi, a flightless bird, which is native to, and the national symbol of, New Zealand"; it is Not considered Offensive.

This is the Front Yard of where I will be in NZ!

Looks like complete Serenity.

Lately, I have felt really blessed and extremely thankful. I have some of the coolest or as Jacinta would say frothiest friends in Brisbane. They all seem to love adventures as much as I do and are always positive. I find it refreshing how active Aussies are, not sitting in front of the TV only to watch games on EVERY weekend off but rather doing something: going to the beach, or as simple as walking instead of driving to the grocery store, or reaching out to a stranger in need. EX: I saw on the bus a little girl no more than 2 trying to sing her ABC's and a young gentleman (not with the family and completely harmless) started singing with her to help her get past "g". One of the sweetest things I've ever seen a stranger do. But then again, it is so much safer here (don't worry still have my wits about me) Once again, I am going to challenge you to do something. TiVo "your" game and go out and do something.

But Kristin, its snowing here or it is toooo cold to do anything outside. So?? Go to a local gym and take a couple laps and watch a community basketball game to get your "sport fix in" while being Active ORRRR Better Yet there is a place in the city called Bottle&Bottega where you and a group of friends are taught how to paint a specific picture. And guys, no excuses about paintings- a majority of the Most Well-Known Painters were males... Go do something. Add that to your bucket list and then check it off!

http://bottleandbottega.com/

No, I do not know the owner's

OR own stock in this business...

I probably should have written a Blog sooner, but I have been a bit distracted figuring out some of the next steps in my life. I have seen much more of the BrisVegas area. 

• Went to the Gold Coast for a proper Aussie BBQ
• Hiked around Toohey Forest looking for Wild Koala Bears
• Become a Member AND Explored Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (was not wearing the right outfit to hold a Koala BUT as a Member I get extra copies of my Koala-time pictures Free :) - I know what you are thinking... Smart Girl!)
• May have Trespassed to find a Hidden Gem of Brisbane- Old Carindale Quarry. And this my friends, is the EXACT reason I love to live in another culture and NOT be just a tourist. I get to see things and do things I never would have otherwised experienced.  

At the Gold Coast before we went to the BBQ

Mel & I made a quick stop and unexpected waves definitely splashed us

:)

Used My Spider man like skills to climb this rock area

and have a better lookout for Koalas in Toohey Forest!

I saw signs so they definitely existed!

They were all over the Koala Sanctuary-

still not sure if I am comfortable with that...

Dingo in Prime Form NOT Eating Any one's Baby.

Near some of the Koalas and We are all lucky I

did not just climb on over and in...

Baby and Mommy- I read that Koalas also have pouches

like Kangaroos when they are in trees and obviously

the baby is smaller :)

Petting the Kangaroo, scratching where she cannot-

That's what friends are for :)

Kangaroo Family! See the Baby in the Pouch?

Yes that is Right! Paradise!!!

Complete Serenity.

Fountain of Youth? Maybe?

This is what We climbed UNDER to find that Beautiful Gem...

Definitely worth it!

LOVE, RESPECT, EXPERIENCE.

While Everybody Else is Getting Out of Bed, I'm Usually Getting In It

Fires, Rugby, & Pterodactyls, Oh My!... 

I know pterodactyls right? I'm starting to think that Jurassic Park was not fiction and the dinosaurs live in the Outback... I say this only because in the morning there is a bird that likes to "chirp" but really it screeches like, I imagine, a pterodactyl would looking for its babies after T-Rex was around. I'm not sure which bird this is because I never seem to be able to find it when I hear it; hence, there could be other dinosaurs "hiding"! Dun dun dun...  ;) There is another bird I am convinced plays Marco Polo with its mates. There is high-tone Coo-Coo and then a low-tone Coo-Coo; it goes back and forth for a little until they find each other or get tired of playing.

Birdies Hanging Out (part of my running path)

I feel as if it was only hours after I wrote my last blog I had a laugh-attack that could have literally burned me!

My fabulous friend Jacinta, invited me over to her house for her speciality, Tacos! I know what you are thinking, did we use Kangaroo meat? No, no we did not. Speaking about Kangaroos I have had a couple conversations with Aussies (pronounced Ozzies) and misconceived notions Americans have about Australians:

1. They do not ride Kangaroos to school/ work/ or the store

2. Crocodiles do not live in their bath tubs

3. Dingoes supposedly did eat a baby in the 80's, its not a Seinfeld original comment and DOES offend some when you try and be funny and say, "A Dingo ate my baby!" In addition "we" decided it would take at least 4 dingoes to eat a baby. "4 Dingoes ate my baby!" is laughable.

4. "Put more shrimp on the Barbie" - Usually lamb is preferred and they have a lot hence all the Uggs. Plus, shrimp comes in a can, like soup, but prawns are more what one would picture in their mind.

5. They do not eat bugs on the usual to survive and prefer a Kabob over pizza as their late night snack.

Any who, back to the tacos... remember that cute oven I showed a picture of in a prior blog? Well... it is a Gas Oven and Jac has the same cute oven at her place. Growing up neither of us have used anything else besides electric and BOTH of us are afraid of fire. Great combo! Haha. In addition, her oven is more difficult than mine when it comes to lighting. She tends to light something on the longer end, like rolled up news paper, to put back by the gas to ignite a flame. Not Once, Not Twice, BUT Three Times We almost burned down her kitchen. Some may not find this funny BUT I ALMOST pulled a Chelsea Handler (when she laughs too hard, tears run down her leg). I was laughing so uncontrollably the third time I couldn't help put out the flame, thus I may have literally been burned or  maybe something even worse! It is true when "they" say third time is a charm in addition I fully believe everybody deserves crispy taco shells!

Kitchen on Fire... Blurry due to my laughter or SMOKE.

Last weekend, I went to a bar called Story Bridge Hotel in an area known as Kangaroo Point (across the river from downtown Brisbane- cutest name, right?!) The drinking age in Australia is 18 not 21, and I STILL got carded! Haha, Thanks Mom for the Wonderful Genes!

I went with my awesome friend Melinda from work and a group of her friends. We were "lucky" enough to run into some Rugby League players and share a few beverages/ try and teach Kristin some Rugby stuff. I personally think Rugby League Players are equivalent to running into the Chicago Fire Soccer Team rather than like the Chicago Bears. In addition, there is a difference between National Rugby and Rugby League, I unfortunately, still do not understand what. :) Sorry... 

Story Bridge Hotel is also where I spent Australia Day, last Thursday, with my new lovely friend Mel! To most I will surprise you by saying I had a couple beers (where better than Australia to start drinking beer!) I still will never purposely order it, but this is one of my new favorite places. Two for two in spectacular times! I think I will start to celebrate this holiday every year- Australia Day is similar to our Thanksgiving but celebrated more like the 4th Of July. 

Myself & Mel

It has been raining a lot in Brisbane this past week. So much, that areas have again flooded. I am fortunate enough it has not effected me or any of my friends. I had the week off of work last week, and I will most likely have this week off. Hopefully the rain will stop so I can go High-Five a Koala! I did however find a path near my house I go for a run or walk depending on the weather :D

 

Basically in my backyard.

Random Wild Bush Turkey During my Run,

Scares me everytime! Never know if I should start

going faster in fear it will chase me. :)

Enoggera Creek - I was hoping for a Crocodile

 Proving not all girls wear make-up when they workout.

I'm currently living out a dream of mine and it is both very much what I imagined and has also had some pleasant surprises, like the friendships I am building. I hope you are doing something you love and try something new every month this year (Hurry!!! January is almost up!). At Least, Promise Me YOU will just Do Something. Perhaps, START by creating a Real Bucket List? And put that list in a visible part of your home or office and work towards doing something you really want. We ONLY Have ONE Life to Live, SO Choose to LIVE.

Love. Respect. Experience.