i gEt LosT tO fiNd mYseLF...: 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.