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