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.

It Is No Longer "How Are You?"

How you going? -
That's how WE Aussies ask "How are you doing?" And I CAN include Myself since I officially pay Australian Taxes ;) However, some insist they say "are" somewhere in there and that they just speak so fast, but that's not true.

Also not true is when the screen for the Bus reads 5 Minutes- that really means you better start running because it IS There. If it ever reads 1 Minute, it left 3 Minutes ago. BUT the Public Transportation is not only A LOT Cleaner and Nicer in AU, there is always another Bus shortly on its way. Plus, with all the hills and turns, whenever I need to stand on the bus, it works on my abs and surfing-balancing-skills. :D

I've been gone for OVER TWO WEEKS already, Can YOU Believe It?!?

Lets take a quick walk (since I no longer drive- especially since its on the left side of the road) through a typical week day for moi.

     I take about a 10 min bus ride into the city and get dropped-off at King George Square which is about 3 blocks away from my building on Turbot Street. If I arrive way earlier than usual/ needed at work, I treat myself to Starbucks or a local Coffee Boutique. On a side not, coffee IS better here (Win) and it is my one and only addiction. I would also like to say if I opt to buy a cup I force myself to walk up Edwards Street. Brisbane is very hilly, much like California. Edward Street reminds me of a hill in the Quad Cities Bix 7 Race; the hill is on a 9% incline! I feel as if since I am indulging, I can do a little extra to earn it. 2 blocks uphill, here I come!

Do you see that incline?!?

Some days, I admit, I cheat. I walk only one block uphill in my heeled wedges ( I get extra points for being in a heel) and take the conveniently located outside-escalator in BrisVegas. It brings me right to the top of Turbot street.
     Once I get in the office, if I didn't buy coffee I make a cup. I then do my required work for the day. If it isn't analyzing security risks and setting a control, I help archive, file, or verify invoices.
     Depending on the day I may go out for lunch. The girls from work took me to this one place called Sushi, guess what they serve?! It usually has a line as long as if one was waiting to ride the Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America- The other day, it was so warm and I was in line I actually wished it had a Pop Machine for me to hydrate! Sorry, is that a sensitive subject since the states has snow? ;)
If you know me, you know I have creepy obsession with two different foods. One being Sushi and the Second being a Chicago Style Hot Dog. WELL- Brisbane sushi is genius and for those of you who dislike/ pretend-to-dislike-because-you-cannot-use chopsticks, Have NO Fear. Sushi is eaten LIKE a Hot Dog, getting messy at the end is encouraged. Also, sushi may be the only thing cheaper here! Another win!

Tried to take a quick picture of my food,

didn't want to be that person.

Once lunch is done, I finish what I need to and head back home on the bus. I have decided people here, like Europe, find deodorant optional. I think instead of creating a law that it is illegal to cross the street with head phones in your ears (AU is actually looking into this), they should create a law if you ride public transportation and its hot out you must wear deodorant, spray axe, or walk home if the two prior options are, for whatever reason, not possible.

Few other things that I have noticed:

• UV-Ray Warning Commercials are to Australia as the No-Smoking Campaigns are to the United States
• I've NEVER heard the reference to Murphy's Law so many times in a 72hr window
• Who ever "They" is was not lying when they said its expensive. Example: OPI Nail Polish was ON SALE for 2 for $25. For those of you who cannot relate to Nail Polish, HALF the Size you are use to purchasing in Peanut Butter is Over $4 (not to mention the Australian Dollar is worth more than the US Dollar)

This weekend I am hanging out with some friends and will soon have more pictures for you. In addition, Thursday the 26th is Australia Day and shall be a blast!

Love. Respect. Experience.

AU, We Are Going To Get A Long Just Lovely

I can officially check ONE more thing off of my Bucket List! But of course arriving here I have now, some how, created a Sub-Bucket List AND its LOOOOONNG... but, while I'm here, why not!??!

My Life for 2012

Before I go into the beginning of my adventures I have a favor to ask of you. On Saturday, 7th January 2012, (that is how they write dates in AU) my mom's little brother passed away unexpectedly from a heart-attack. I really wish I could be back home for my family, especially my mom. Please just keep my family in your prayers and if you know my mom and see her, give her a hug and then an extra one from me. 

Not in my wildest thoughts did I think such a thing would happen, however, that is just more evidence, you never know when something tragic may happen, so why you're well and mobile- Do SOMETHING with you life "cause everybody dies, but not everybody lives."

Of course my adventures started early... The "long" flight really was not too bad, but then again I have a talent when it comes to sleeping on planes ;) I'm sure it helped I sat between two very nice guys and we all got along, in addition each of us had our own touch screens to watch movies/shows or play games. One of them had a wife flying first class and he made sure to hook us up and sneak us back some much needed dark chocolate.

I first flew into Melbourne which is where I also needed to grab my bags and go through customs. I had a solid 2.5 hours until my next flight... I did not make it- haha.

I knew something HAD to go wrong since everything else has worked out SO Very Nicely. But, to be honest I was not mad or frustrated I thought of what my dad said to me right before I left. "Just remember everything you have is replaceable" and that included my connecting flight's ticket. Some how that simple sentence brought a calm to me. I was luckily bumped onto a flight only about an hour later and sent off to my new home in Kelvin Grove, Queensland (a quiet and cute suburb of Brisbane).

My New Home

Through my friend Cody, who went to Bond University for a semester near the Gold Coast (about an hour or so from KG), I was introduced to my first friend in Brisbane, Jacinta. She has been nothing but a Saint; I could not have been luckier and look forward to the adventures we will have together- She reminds me a lot of my good friends back home. Cody is only friends with Awesome people anyways, so I kind of knew she would be fabulous.

Before coming here I was made aware the company I would be working for let go of MORE than half of their staff just before the holidays. Since I was coming from such a distance, they ensured I would have a position just not a 100% of my start date. And believe me, that would never stall me from coming to AU. I went in yesterday aka, your now past but at the time, Future Monday to see what the deal was.  I don' mean to brag but I'm going to ;)  I think people see me and think... Jack of all trades :D

But Seriously. at BCU I helped in multiple departments: I did Loans, Member Services, Business Development, Process Improvements etc. With my new company I can proudly say I know I will be assisting in at least 3 different departments: Finance, IS, and EQC (Earthquake Commission). I only see this as postives. The more I do and the more willing I am to help, the more beneficial it will be for myself in the end AND I'll have the opporunitity to meet MORE people! After stopping in yesterday, I went exploring a bit of the city with one of my coworkers. Her and I will also have some FUN adventures in our near future. Its nice that people are willing to do local things and travel with me; it will definitely make for some fabulous memories.

My New City, Brisbane

Brisbane is lovely. Its much newer than Chicago, not sure if that is due to the flooding they had, but bits and pieces are almost futuristic yet mainly just modern. Today 10th January, 2012 marks the year memorial of their horrible flooding they had last year, 35 people were killed :(. You would never be able to tell there was flooding though- the community really came together here and worked together, I'm happy to be a part of their city for the time being.

I hope all is well back in that states. Enjoy your sunshine while it lasts and I will be sure to rub it in once it is gone. Best wishes! Love. Respect. Experience

I've attached a few more photos. Please email me, KristinNota@gmail.com if there is anything I did not write about in which you are curious.

 My Bedroom, unpacked :) Yes that is a Koala on my night stand.

My Kitchen

My Back Porch where I eat my breakfast :)

My view while I write to you, Jealous?!? ;)