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