One Week Later...

Sorry for the long delay in adding an update!! I am without Internet at my house and have had a crazy week at work. Today is the first day I have had some spare time. Phew, where do I even start? As all of you know I flew out of San Francisco so I could fly on Joe's flight. I was able to go into the city and spend a few hours with Jess chatting and eating some yummy American food. The flight wasn't to bad, before takeoff I went up into the cockpit with Joe. I forgot how neat it was up there! The flight went pretty smoothly minus some turbulence, I think Joe was trying to stir things up for me. :) Jk. I was also in Business Class so I think that helped to pass the time. Upon arrival once I claimed all of my bags and made it threw customs, Mel was there to pick me up!! As we walked to her car I attempted to get into the drivers side...I forgot they drive on the other side of the road!!! That part was definitely weird. We headed to my new home where Sally, from the office was waiting. The townhouse is great, its quite large, very open, with high ceilings and a big closet in the master bedroom which we all know I need. I freshened up and then Mel, Sally, and I went for a walk to check out the town. Where my house is on the line of Leighhardt and Annandale. For the most part I head into Annandale. The rest of the day I spent checking out the office, picking up my phone, and doing some shopping at Ikea. Thursday night I went into Darling Harbour and met Joe for a great Thai dinner then headed home for my first night in my new home. It was weird that's for sure. First thing, bottom floors of houses don't have carpet here so right now mine is tile, a bit cold. :) So I slept on my new lounge in the middle of the living room in a house with no other furniture. It was odd. Friday I spent exploring in the city, I picked up some things I needed and took a few pics to show everyone. Friday night Mel and Paul (the GM)came and met me and we went to the local pub for dinner. It was fun to catch up with them and learn about the office here, before I started work. The rest of the weekend I pretty much spend lost. The public transportation system isn't so bad if you live in downtown Sydney but anywhere else it isn't easy. Buying a car is now my #1 priority. The weather over the weekend was nice and warm, of course until I found my way over to Manly Beach where it was a bit cooler and cloudy. Lucky for me I had brought a sweatshirt. Being at the beach was nice because it made me feel closer to home. The strangest thing has been doing everything by myself. Its just so strange. So far this week has been going well, I have figured out the bus, even though it takes me almost two hours to get to work when its only 15 min away!!! Ive been doing a lot of running around trying to get settled. My fridge, washer and tv were delivered yesterday so I no longer have to eat takeout and I can watch movies. :) Mel has been amazing, we have a ton of fun together! There is a gym in my work complex so she and I have been going daily. Everyone here in the office is so nice and its a small team but that does have its benefits. My ipod has come in handy considering I'm always wandering by myself so its nice to have music to listen to. The weather this week has been rainy and I of course with no umbrella, raincoat, and a 15 walk to the bus stop have been getting soaked. Last night I finally found an umbrella. My Internet at home still isn't set up, apparently everything in Australia takes awhile. It could take from 7-10 days to be set up. Weird, I know. I'm starting to understand the accent except they all talk really fast and tend to mumble. The slang is another story. They have a different work for everything. Mel has been my second ear translating for me when she thinks I don't have a clue, which is quite often.

As for me personally, I am doing okay. Its really weird being by myself all the time and not having all my friends and family next to me. This is the first time in my life that I have ever lived alone and had to go through something like this. I think in the end it will make me a stronger person but I have good days and bad days. I feel so far away and don't want to lose touch and be lost with that's going on in everyone lives. I think once I have the Internet set up at home and I can use the 949 phone # I will feel less out of touch. Its been fun shopping and putting together a new home. In only a week I have learned how much one can actually do without. Although I will admit I miss my clothes and shoe choices. :) I cant wait for Aaron to get out here so we can share this new adventure and for everyone to come visit so I can show them this new life.

I know that everyone is waiting for pictures however I left the charger for the camera at home. :( Home as in the U.S. If Aaron can find it before our stuff gets shipped I will upload as soon as the camera is charged. If not everyone might have to wait till December. Such a bummer. I want to be out taking pictures too!!!

Tonight I have another movie night planned, me and the new plasma. :) Oh yeah, and of course some really great Australian wine. This weekend my friend Christina, who Aaron and I met on our honeymoon, is coming up from Melbourne with her baby Amelia to spend the weekend with me. I am really looking forward to having a friend around as well as spending time with her and meeting the baby!!!!

I miss everyone lots, don't forget about me. :)

G'Day