Down Under

Lots of people have subtly mentioned to me that they want to see pictures of my adventures this summer. So I reminded myself that I find some entertainment in writing blog posts and even more so in looking back to see what dumb things I can come up with to say.

So here it goes.

I'm in Australia.

Just got here a few days ago.

I'm here to be a nanny to a little 6-month old baby named Emily until mid-September.

It's been an interesting time so far. Not so great at the beginning to be honest. I had a 14.5 hour flight from LAX to Sydney where I watched 4 movies and slept little, went through customs in Sydney where I was slightly nervous that my visa had not been processed or something because I had to go to a separate desk where they said absolutely nothing to me...scary. And then the airport is all sorts of confusing and I went to the international flight place instead of domestic flight place and I was afraid I was going to miss my connecting flight...but made it to my gate right as they were boarding. Meno male. Then I flew to Brisbane. 

Commence stomach cramps.

Kinda unfortunate. Thought I was just tired or whatever so I drank some Sweppes lemon soda on the plane while I chatted with my Melbourne-native old lady seat neighbor. Got off the plane and got my bags then looked around to where I thought I'd find Sally and Emily waiting for me pretty quickly. Didn't.

Not feeling so good at this point so I sat down. Everybody cleared from my flight. So I walked around (those 2 bags got pretty heavy pretty quick haha!! weakling I am) and went outside. Hahaha...this back and forth and mega confusion lasted about 2.5 hours. Being the dumb that I sometimes am, I couldn't remember if I ever told them the airline I was coming in on (Sally was much smarter and emailed my mom the night before to get that information), or what kind of car they had, or even her dang phone number. I was not prepared. And like I had done a few times the past few months I had a freak out moment that the whole thing was a scam and now I was at an airport in Australia and no one was coming to get me. Sad moment.

But then I emailed her, hoping Sally used technology and would soon read it on her smart phone. Good thing she did. There was a mix up but things got cleared up, and they came and got me! It was so great to meet Sally and Emily in person!!!!!!!!

Talk about a sweet welcome sign.

So I'll summarize the rest quickly. Drove through the city, got some cool pictures, felt like crap, almost threw up in the car home (talk about a great first impression, right??), what's wrong? Food poisoning. Curse United Airlines. 

My first 2 days in this country weren't super pleasant, but I was able to get over jet lag because I slept for like 16 hours that first night. Win.

Today was more normal. I ate real food. Including steak and Tim Tams.

Quite delicious.

The neighborhood where they live is HILL CENTRAL. So tonight because I've been inside too much due to airplane and sickness, I decided to try just the one massive one that is their street. Holy cow. I only made it up halfway the first time then walked the rest. I was sitting on the porch, pretty much ticked off, so I decided to do it again and I shuffled up the whole way that time. I WILL CONQUER.

In the meantime I am learning Aussie words (per esempio...a torch is a flashlight, a nappie is a diaper, etc.), Emily and I are getting used to each other, and lots of firsts are beginning.

I believe tomorrow I will try driving. 

Pray for me.

Again I'll ask...pray for me!!!!!!!!! :)

Brisbane

Nice little backyard view :)

This is pretty much my dream to be here. When I leave I'll have to find a new one and who knows what that should be. Well, it should probably be to get married. Hopefully that'll happen one day. :)

Here's to a summer (or WINTER) full of good times!