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.