A reflection on what is….

It’s Christmas night… and so far my days have been filled with emotional bliss of supportive friends from the Land Down Under. Though this time is lovely, it’s difficult not to reflect at this time on family and home and all the beautiful memories that have developed my pleasured ghosts of Christmas past. Starting off Christmas morning with skyping the three supported members of the Wanbaugh family, I couldn’t help but recognize how my decision to be in Australia has also impacted those closest to me. Opening gifts over video networking just isn’t the same! Despite, I am so glad to have shared in this day with my family even though we are half a world away.

Christmas this year is quite different… it is my first without snow! Even though family isn’t physically present, my life has been blessed with a makeshift family who has loved me and taken care of me in ways that I couldn’t even imagine. Not to make you jealous… but it was pretty cool to be walking around the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge with friends and being made aware of the midnight of Christmas through the bells of a local church. It is a memory from Australia that I will always cherish… such an amazing way to spend this holiday.

Today has been rather low key – it included a fancy sleep in until 10am (not bad after having 5:00 wake up calls for work the last four weeks), a skype date with my family, opening presents with my beloved German flat mate Lisa under our sole tree in the backyard, and a trip to Coogee beach.

For the first time since being at University, I actually have twelve days off from work (people in Australia sure do know how to entertain holidays). What to do? So much that I am looking forward to!! Tentative plans to go camping down the coast, volunteering at my amazing church to help plan our upcoming Synergy event in January, coffee dates, dinner dates, beach dates, and heaps of dates with God have already consumed my agenda. I can’t wait!

Life continues to remain amazing. I can’t believe I have already been here nearly a year. I look at all the changes and developments that have occurred in the last year and know that the final two months of my visa will only continue in this pattern. I am learning so much. Life is so good and I just wish that my attempts to play tug-of-war with time would actually win - moments are slipping through my hands like small grains of sand. Every day is such a pleasure; every person is someone to learn something from. I continually find myself in awe of the beauty of people – we are so unique and it’s incredible to see the craftsmanship of our God.

To baby Jesus… I wish you a happy birthday. To my family… I love you and Merry Christmas. To all my friends back home… I miss you and love you and am so thankful for all the goodness we have shared. To my freshly developed Australian mates… thank you for taking such good care of me and teaching me so much – you have helped revive my spirit in ways you don’t even know. I love you ALL. Merry Christmas :)

xoxo

Tara Kay

Yes... I am still alive

Hello friends and family! Well quite some time has passed since my last entry, and just as in your lives, so many things have happened and changed. Where to begin and what to talk about has actually stunted me from writing for quite some time now. With much sadness and disbelief, I am already half way through my one year work holiday visa in Australia. I can’t believe how much time has gone by, but every day my heart remains thankful and my mind in disbelief that I am actually in Australia. I love it here so much and it has truly started to feel more and more like a home to me.

With the passing of the six month mark of my visa, I have been thrown rapidly back into the world of job hunting (I have to change places of employment after six months with a company). My time at WSP Lincolne Scott has been nothing short of a blessing and I have been able to learn a fair bit about myself as well as the Australian culture. With some interesting and enjoyable friendships made I have been very thankful to be exposed to such great people - but I am ready to move on to the next chapter of this adventure. With heaps of free coffee, internet, food, and spare time, I have been blessed with many gifts and opportunities to reflect on myself and life.

The common mentality that I really hold steadfast to and appreciate is the fact that life is about relationships – we are communal in our existence and ultimately depend on one another for survival. The greatest gift that I received from working at WSP Lincolne Scott is a friendship with a woman who has inspired me, encouraged me, loved me, listened to me, and supported me. Jackie Meagher is an incredibly kind-spirited woman who just being in the presence of is peaceful. Of all the things I am leaving behind, the most difficult of these is my friendship with this woman. Jackie has inspired me to pursue risk, encouraged me in the woman that I am, and has been significant in modeling to me the kind of person I aspire to be. She has been a second mum and a constant quench to my thirsty and famished needs. Sometimes you can meet a person and know that if nothing else, this relationship was worth each decision that I made to lead me to this point. That is what my placing at WSP Lincolne Scott made me feel about Jackie.

After a quick but clear-headed decision-making process, I decided to take a position with a company known as Leighton’s Consultants. When searching on the Internet for a new position, I came across a six-month administrative assistant position in the southern part of Sydney that for some reason my eye was drawn to. I didn’t want to think much of it as I had kept faith that I would have my options be open and just know that God was going to take care of me. I was very hopeful for this position and surprised when I heard back from a woman named Liz on the same day. We made an appointment for the next day where I met with her, and then with the Shane the HR Manager of where I would be working the following day. I met with Shane, and though this was a very different position, I decided that I was going to take it.

Now with my collective time of 12 months in Australia (I can’t believe it when I think of it like that!), I have been fortunate enough to experience a lot of the Australian culture. When working in the Outback, I had a very raw and rare experience of the different characters in Australia. I saw work ethic, I saw aggression, I saw love, and I learned that you have to do anything that you have to – the job simply must get done. And for the last six months I have found myself thrown in with the business culture of Australia. I saw the people who were respectful, hardworking, fast-paced and so many other things. This time I have choice to work amongst Tradesmen (construction). If the whole intention of the one year work/holiday visa is to expose you to different elements of the culture, then I thought perhaps this would be another way of doing this. I have seen the life of the Outback, worked with the businessmen of Sydney, and now I look forward to experiencing the life of the construction and people who are involved with physical labor for a living (something I have not experienced before).

I am not quite sure yet why I chose this job – it just kind of felt right. Something that I have never been quite good at is decision making. But for some reason I am able to do this with such more clarity in Australia. I just feel like my strength in feeling if something is right or wrong is a lot more on key – Australia is a bit like my sacred place.
So I made a decision I thought I would never make… working in the suburbs!!! Ironically enough the town I am known in is Beverly Hills (NOTHING like that of the States:). I think that between working and living in the heart of the Sydney, I just needed out. I needed to meet real people. I needed to see green. I needed to sit on a train in peace and get lost out the window while thinking. So…. Instead of being crammed morning and night on a 15 minute train ride with my head resting on the man’s next to me with the standing room only and wondering what would happen if suddenly I felt sick and needed to get off the train, I have space. I have an entire row to myself in the morning with maybe two other people in the carriage with me as we are heading against traffic. I am sitting, enjoying my music, praying, reading, marveling at the reminder that nature actually does exist, and even making a phone call if I can be bothered to. It is beautiful and the space that I need in life right now! And on top of that I am only two train stops away from where my beloved Jackie lives… we have heaps of dinner dates planned.

Another blessing that has entered my life and continues to mold my friendships and activities is my church Cityside. I have never really considered myself as part of a church when I was attending. Often I didn’t have the desire to become an official member because of a specific element (could have been the teaching, music, location, or concept of community within the church that I couldn’t completely associate with), but things are different with this church. Just as like in other things that have existed for me in Australia, things just felt right. Things just fell into place. Joy and I were walking to actually catch a bus to a different church when we came across Cityside and decided to give it a shot. I have not looked back since – I am learning so much!

The people of this small congregation made up of only about 20-30 have taken me in under their wings and have actually made me feel like I belong there. I love these people – the friends that I have made have evolved my life in Australia quite a bit. For the last 2-3 months I have been attending church twice a week, meeting with an all females group one night away, and spending social time with friends outside of this as well. I am so happy. There is no judgment, there is only love and acceptance and a hope of helping one another enhance in self and relationship with God. These people are so incredibly precious to me and I know that if (ahem) I leave Australia, losing this church would be the most difficult component.

Another change that hasn’t take place quite yet but is set in the next couple day is the moving of bedrooms! Actually about two months ago the Irish couple from our house left and so many of us decided to trade rooms. Instead of Lisa and I sitting across from one another on our single beds with our knees bumping, we now had at least five feet between us, an additional mirror, and a balcony! Things have been lovely, but with the adjustment of more residents in the house we have decided to switch rooms once again. For the first time in a long time, I will have my own bedroom! Though her constant presence will be missed, we will still be able to enjoy one another daily while meeting other needs that we have at the same time.

Other fun things that have existed in the last few months are: my long weekend trip to Brisbane with Lisa (went to an Amusement Park and art galleries… it was awesome), my birthday (spoiled with many gifts and kind words from friends and loved ones in my life), I started to run again and am planning on registering for another race in the next couple of months, and attended heaps of music (ex. Yeasayer, Band of Horses, Angus and Julia Stone, The Magic Numbers, Jonsi, etc). Life is still good and I remain joyful in learning more things about myself and refining areas in my life that are long overdue.

So… what’s next? Not quite sure. I love Australia still and even more so now. There is talk of meeting up with my family in the next couple of months if possible, my sister is planning on coming to see me end of February, heaps of music festivals are coming up, keep spending time with my lovely friends, and enjoy the fact that SUMMER IS COMING!!!!! Though winter in Australia is a bit of a joke (I keep wishing that these people only knew January in Minnesota)… warm weather has always been a great pleasure and indulgence of mine! I'll say it again, I can’t just believe that I am already half way through this.

Sorry that there is not as much whit or creativity involved in this entry, I just really wanted to catch people up to date! May you all continue to love and support one another. Love you and miss you all.

xo Tara xo

An Update

So… I drop my phone a lot. And when you have a backpacker phone and drop this phone, it is not an easy endeavor to contain. Not only does one lose the back, but the battery falls out, as well as the keyboard template. It is not a silent occurrence, but it is a frequent one.

Dropping my phone on the escalator and watching the pieces tumble to the bottom, I was forced to race past stand-byers in attempts of collecting my beloved mobile before the end of the escaping road drew near. Amidst a world of iphones and businesses suits, no one helped me – not even with a sympathetic look. It was at this moment that I realized I have officially stepped outside of the backpacking culture and have entered… the working world! Though this elite group of people may be an enjoyable bunch, they seem to be less empathetic toward the historical addition of this phone; or maybe just my clumsy nature.

Life as I know it has continued to give me joy, forcing me to constantly re-evaluate if this is real, or wonder when I will simply wake up from this dream. I am happy. On top of increasing knowledge and comfort at WSP Lincolne Scott, I am finding other beautiful comforts. My dear, loved, valued, and I-still-can’t-believe-how-blessed-I-am-to-know-this-friend Lisa moved into my home just over a week ago! I could not be happier with this recent development; she could not be more perfect as a roommate!

Lisa is good for me in a lot of ways (I am starting to think this is more of a blog dedicated to her than Australia!), and I feel so blessed to have such a great friend to come home to. Some of my favorite things she has said to me thus far that have really gotten me thinking: 1. Some people are just really good at suffering, 2. You know Tara, you have really great ideas for change, but sometimes when you have a thought like this you should have an asteric (*) that says “conditions apply” (LOL), and 3. Tara, maybe you feel so bloated because of all the coffees and hot chocolates with milk you drink at work (this came to actually be true – apparently too much dairy isn’t a good thing). She is blunt and honest and sometimes says things I don’t like, but I am learning a lot from her.

Since Lisa’s arrival to our home on Crown Street, I managed to saw a desk in half (I have never done anything like this before) to make more space in our bedroom, manage to make it to bed before midnight during every day during the week, eat proper meals for dinner, and have someone to bounce ideas about life off of. I can’t seem to absorb enough of this dear friend and I think that she is incredibly helpful in my pursuit of learning to better know myself.

One of my more significant insights since working and living in Sydney has been my desire to be here. Originally my mentality was to work, spend as little money as possible, and have months of traveling. But I soon came to realize that I don’t want to live these months only for the future. I want to enjoy this year for all that it is to be and can be. Each day is an adventure, each day is a gift. I don’t want to spend my time stunted to only have a few great months at the end. One year is too short, and I am having such a lovely time in the present that I am beginning to recognize that these days are part of my travel as well.

Last weekend was a “Joyous” celebration for me. I headed North with my University mate to one of our favorite previous destinations known as Port Stephens. With much physical distance between us, Joy and I closed the gap by uniting in Blacktown and headed in her vehicle for a two-and-a-half hour drive up the coast. One of the greatest and continued realizations for me in the past two weeks is that I haven’t been really noticing what I need until I have it again. Living in the city is beautiful and I wouldn’t change it for anything. But in my heart of hearts, I am a woman who craves the ocean and nature and wildlife. Starting off the weekend with a side trip that can be no further talked about, we met Port Stephens with a dolphin cruise! Being that on our first visa we had many disappointments of failures when promises of seeing sea life, Joy and I finally encountered dolphins in their natural habitat! Though the rain came down, it was difficult to dampen our moods and enthusiasm.

From here Joy and I spent a great portion of our time at the YHA hostel that acts more as a retreat than anything else. Submersed in greenery and nature, this temporary escape provided more sounds and sights of nature than I have experienced in my two months of being here thus far. It was peaceful and my much needed thirst for Joy was finally quenched. The time went by too quickly and all week I simply keep wishing that it was last Saturday.

Overall, I am still happy and in high spirits. I have decided to slow my life down and focus on things that I aspired to but have not been putting priority to since being in Australia. Being in this environment is one of constant stimulation, and I think the real challenge is learning to say no and finding something not to do and people not to meet. I am taking necessary moments to myself and confronting uncomfortable situations rather than putting them behind me. It is good, and I have been valuing all emotions that life has to offer.

Dear friends ones, thank you for your time. Thank you for who you are to me. Thank you for taking care of me. And Mum…. Happy Mother’s Day. I love you!

Mmm Mmm Good :)

G’Day everyone! March has continued to be an exciting and energetic time in my life, stirring a joy in me that I could have never expected. I have been at my job for and my house for the last two weeks, and every day is more of a gift than the first.

Things with my job are going wonderful at this time. WSP Lincolne Scott is a very kind and relaxed company and people have done wonders to make me feel welcomed into the family. It is a lovely place to work with the kind people and free coffee - not to mention that every Friday we can dress casual and in jeans! Unlike my previous reception role at UBS Financial Services, things are at a much more relaxed pace at WSPLS. Yesterday I was able to spend most the day catching up on paying bills, personal correspondence, and naturally wasting time on Facebook… perfect for a backpacker!

Life is better than anything I could have imagined it to be. Every day I wake up enthused to go to work, and end the day I am satisfied and walk home with a smile. I constantly am feeling thankful and that I am experiencing the epitome of bliss. Though I was convinced it would take an opposite effect, my social life has not declined nearly as much as I assumed that it would… only to add to my satisfaction of my experience thus far.

First of all, my dear friend Francis returned to Sydney after his travels to Melbourne – which has been why even my weekday nights have been filled. After meeting Francis for a brief week and half last June, I knew that I had found a dear and special friend. I told Joy then that Francis is, “the friend that I always wanted to have, but could never find.” Surviving as a hippie in his van he so lovingly called Macy (due to a spray painting of Macy Grey on the side), I reunited with Francis with his shoulder-length hair and bare feet by the Sydney Harbor Bridge. With the last week and a half of his time back in Sydney, I have managed to uncontrollably laugh and smile and maintain a more care-free spirit myself. With the closure of his year visa, I am grieved to say that my friend is leaving me tomorrow to head back to Thailand for a bit, and return to Austria. Once again Francis has managed to paint my life with colours and images that will remain with me… and I hope only to share the beautiful things I have learned from him with others.

Though one dear friend is gone, I am incredibly thrilled and thankful that my other friend Lisa has decided to return to Sydney after a few weeks in Brisbane! Arriving just yesterday, I was blessed to spend the evening with her and look forward to another tonight (I reckon and hope this is a frequent occurrence)! Finding it difficult to achieve work in Brisbane and with more links in Sydney, Lisa has decided that this city is a better fit. Trying not to be too biased during her decision making, I attempted to have little influence on what she was debating, but I have to say that this has turned out in my favour!

Discovering my new residence of Surry Hills has created many thrilling moments for me! Located in the heart of many great pubs, I have found a place where I intend on spending a lot of my time when going out with friends. Known as the Shakespeare Hotel, this pub is adorned with a Victorian-themed interior, dark carpet and wallpaper, creaky wood floors, chandeliers made out of deer antlers and candles, private rooms to play games in, and brilliant electronic music in the background. On top of that, my favourite Cider known as Bulmer’s is on tap and there are Greek salads for on $4.50 (it’s hard to find a meal less than $8)! So if any of you come out to see me, you can guarantee that we will be taking a short stop at the Shakespeare Hotel :)

I guess at this point I don’t feel that I have too much to share; just loving life as much as I can with work, living and hanging out with friends! I would have to say that overall, I can’t remember being this happy in a long time; it seems that life is truly a gift and a blessing with each passing day. I am learning a lot about myself and enjoying many new things and people. I want nothing more than what is in front of me – and there is something truly beautiful about being able to exist in this mindset and experience undisrupted satisfaction. There are things that would make this experience better, such as the attendance of loved ones, but other than that I could not be happier! One month has already gone by and I can only imagine that the next 11 will follow its lead. I love you and miss you all…

Home sweet home

It seems that the final piece of my uncertainties have officially been solved! This last Saturday I committed to a house located in my beloved area of Surry Hills. I look forward to moving out of China Town and escaping the hustled and over-crowded streets known as George and Pitt. Though this has been a lovely and familiar place over all my Australia travels, I need to move on.

My new home in Surry Hills is located in the heart of Crown Street, which is painted with small cafes, local music venues, Irish pubs, small fruit markets, parks and trees with flowers that are starting to fall with the change of seasons, and heaps of vintage stores. I can’t think of a location that would be more suiting! Settling in my new home at 366 Crown Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 (in case you wanted to send anything:), I am creating a new home with my immediate 23-year-old Irish roommate, another from France, another from Egypt, an Irish couple, and a gal who recently moved to Sydney from Perth. It seems like a rather cohesive and friendly group, with everyone living a bit quieter of a lifestyle. Based on my social and active role as a receptionist, I thought that this environment would be suiting!

Surry Hills is located only minutes walk from Oxford Street, 10 minutes to the Paddington area, 10 minutes from China Town, 15 minutes from the CBD, and buses that lead me directly to the city’s most beautiful beaches. The house is a bit older and not fancy by any standard, but it had a good feeling when I visited it. Joylynn came to the home with me on Saturday, and with her supported affirmation, I decided to commit my stay!

Being in Sydney is great, but I always have been a bit more of a nature-oriented person myself. It amazes me the amount of sadness and emptiness that is apparent on so many faces. During the day I tend to spend most of my time alone, with a lot of thoughts evaluating my life. It is during these moments that I am able to really analyze my heart and motivates and discover changes that I want to exist in my life. It is interesting getting comfortable with being alone because I tend to surround myself in very social environments. I guess I am just trying to get comfortable with this space – and I think that I am realizing that even though it can be incredibly lonely, I really do my best thinking in these moments!

Highlight of the week: the arrival and reuniting with my brilliant friend Lisa from Germany! Lisa and I originally met while working in the Outback during my first visa. Though our paths crossed for only over a week, she is one the people that I grew closest to during this time. Lisa is a 21-year-old who is leading a life very different from everyone else back in Germany. Though they may not understand her intentions and may experience moments of envy, she is going forth with her dream to return to Australia for another year.

In many ways, Lisa is a kindred spirit to myself – kind of like the younger sister that I would want if I wanted one. Though it is difficult to articulate through words, Australia brings about a sense of peace and inner understanding that neither one of us has experienced before and seem to only grasp while here. It goes without reason that we are just most ourselves and comfortable in Australia. Lisa is a great friend to me and I constantly admire her ability to express strength and such a gentle spirit at the same time. I love her deeply and am saddened that she has moved north to Brisbane, but I have no doubt that we will meet again quite soon.

It seems like the 80’s have struck Australia in full force with the midriff-baring shirts, tight and high-wasted jean shorts, and a black bra is the newest found hot accessory often being revealed. I think that I will stick to my boho/simple ways on this one and wait for this fad to fiddle out…

Overall, I am still really happy! I look forward to getting out of the hostel lifestyle – six roommates, awkward social interactions, drunken games in the common areas played by the 20-year-old travelers, and waiting for the hostel’s only elevator, have all gotten a bit old after nearly three weeks. I can’t believe I am saying this… but even the free food shelf has gotten boring!

I can’t explain it, but I just feel that this is where I need to be and it amazes me how the pieces have fit together so easily. It’s funny because after many unexpected and undesired changes of plans in life, I decided that we cannot really expect things to be a certain way because they always seem to go in the opposite direction of our plans (God is funny like that sometimes). I came to Australia with the hope of getting an office job and living in Surry Hills, but I almost expected that this wouldn’t happen because it was what I wanted – I came with an open mind and ready to move to the Outback again if need be. But for the first time in a long time, things are going in a direction that I would have hoped! I still recognize the instability of life and won’t be disheartened if things change. My friend keeps telling me how proud of myself I should be with all my efforts, but the only response I have to give him is that I feel incredibly blessed and like everything has been outside of my hands.

Words that have encouraged me today: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle is not yours but God’s. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.” 2 Chronicles 20: 15, 17

Peace and Love,

TK

How the beauty has begun to unfold...

Today is my two-week anniversary with my beautiful new life in Australia! It seems that this place is more lively and encouraging than ever before – and it seems that things are falling into place quite easily for me.

I am quit happy to report that I secured a six-month reception/admin role at a company called WSP Lincolne Scott! I received a phone call last Friday from Robert Walters (one of the temping agencies I signed up with), describing to me the position and what my expectations should be. And I cannot even begin to describe how good of a fit this is.

First of all the length of the time is quite appropriate considering my situation. How the 462 work/holiday visa functions is that I am not to stay at one place of employment for more than six months. I was getting a little nervous with the temping agencies when I continually received phone calls for only one-day assignments. But when I my beloved new friend Vicky phoned me, I had an instant turn around in hope when she said I can expect a six-month role!

Second of all, I really agree with the pursuit of the company, which is something I would hope to accomplish within my field of work. WSP is a green engineering firm that seeks to make non-residential buildings more carbon neutral. The goal is to have carbon emissions down by 50% by 2020 to help create greener cities!

Third of all, the people in the office seemed to be really suiting for me. It is a very young office with people ranging from my age to about 38. When I sat in the lobby and observed all my potential new friends, I was thrilled about meeting more people my age (it seems that most backpackers here are from the ages of 19-22). So it will hopefully be a really great place for me to meet some new friends!

Fourth of all, the office is a bit more casual than other positions I was apply for in the Central Business District (CBD) of Sydney. I started to feel overwhelmed at the financial investment in clothing I would have to make to find an office position. But luckily I am able to wear my clothes of comfort and choice (flats, leggings, and bright dresses – you know my style).

So that is my job situation in a nutshell! I am starting next Wednesday, but it honestly could not come to me any sooner☺ Now I am in the process of finding housing… which should not be too much of a problem. I am meeting with a guy from a company called Furnished Properties today to check out a place in a part of Sydney I am really interested in (Surry Hills)!

Other than those updates, my social climate is still bringing my heart great warmth and delight. Yes, the life of the unemployed can be so difficult! All I seem to fill my time with is café outings with friends, sight seeing with epic symbols of this country, sitting in parks, an occasional shopping spree, perhaps a pub on some nights, and sitting in the common rooms of my hostel where I am continually confronted with beautiful new souls. It is difficult, I know, but I seem to be managing!

I would say the highlight of my last week was actually just last night with my best mate, Joylynn. Being that she lives about an hour away, we decided for both of our sanity to meet half way during the week! Given our appreciation for the Irish culture and a good cider, we have discovered a place called DJ Galaghers that we will meet at each Tuesday! So now I have something stable and exciting too look forward to every week. I love that girl a lot; it’s nice to have a sense of home when being so far away.

Well that is about all I have to report at this time – sorry if it is a bit too mater-of-fact, but that is how my mind is functioning at the moment. Guess I should probably enjoy these last few moments of freedom… and take a nap ☺ Thank you and I love you all!

Has it been a week already?!

I physically embarked on my adventure one week ago today – and I have to say that I am rather pleased with how the trip has gone thus far! I have strained my body probably a bit more than necessary with my late-night outings and inability to sleep, and in result, I have swollen lymph nodes and a chronic sore throat. But needless to say… It is worth it!

Upon my arrival I reunited with Joylynn after five months of agonizing separation. Spotting her in the hostel lobby, we flew into each others arms as if some sort of tragedy had struck but we both made it out alive. It took no time at all to pick up where we left off. We got settled into our six-person mixed dormitory at the Wake Up hostel, and headed out to a going away party for our English friend we met seven months ago. Knowing the fun that was ahead of me on the first night, I took a nap in preparation. After staying up until 3am (10am was what my body was use to) and for nearly 24 hours, I managed to get four hours of sleep the first night… and then again on the second night… and once more on the third. My body and mind are tired, but it seems that the social euphoria only has expanded and I refuse to let it slow down.

Australia is beautiful for many regards, but I have to say that my favorite component is the amount of international exposure. In the first week I have met people from England, Germany, Jordan, Kenya, Russia, France, Canada, Fiji, Malaysia, Holland, Thailand, and even a few Australians (they are hard to come by in Sydney). And on top of that, I have been able to be with people again who had such an impact in my life during my first visa just four months ago and were part of the reason for my return! Being back in Australia feels great and as if I had never left. Though some things seem different, such as the absence of Joy in my daily life and being able to walk outside in a tank top, I can say with much confidence that this is where I want to be right now. I seem to appreciate Sydney with the more time I spend here. With about three hours of wandering each day, I am able to piece streets together and have a better understanding of where the different places I have been fit together.

I have made many beautiful memories already in my short time here: going away party for my friend Yvonne, coffee and making lists at Starbucks with Joylynn on our old stomping ground, sitting in the park with friends and watching the skateboarders, sneaking onto the roof of the hostel I use to be able to afford to take in the view, grabbed a drink at the famous backpacker bar Scubar, sitting in my favorite park and watched the ladies feed the pigeons, standing with friends on George Street to watch the Chinese New Year parade, met new people while having a BBQ at Bondi Beach (quite cliché but it is something you have to do), and simply indulging in the pleasure of people-watching.

The job hunt has proven rather successful for me thus far. I have managed to have an interview on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday with three different temping agencies in Sydney! A few positions have already come up, and I have faith that only more will from here. Life often is crazy and take many twists and turns, so in a way I am simply anticipating the inevitable and open to any jobs that might lead me in a different direction or city. I would like to stay in Sydney if possible, but if a job opens somewhere that seems like a thrilling decision, I have no problem with getting up and moving the next day.

Weekend agenda: Mardi Gras parade on Oxford Street. What will happen? Joy and I don’t really know that yet. Are we nervous? Perhaps a bit but I think anxious would be more suiting. Will I take pictures and share them with you? Without a question I say yes!

Thank you for taking the time to check in on me and read my blog – I sincerely value your interest in this stage of my life. Bless you heaps!