Me. So. Happy.

You guys! So much has happened since my last post. Crazy, huh? Where to begin!!!

Okay. So. I left you with the weekend recap...now it's time for the early week recap.

Monday morning, Ross came and picked me up around 8am. We drove off to check out, apparently, one of the most beautiful beaches in Sydney. Palm Beach. According to some co-workers of mine, it has the most picturesque views. And, ya know what, they weren't lying.

I hate posting this without any photos, but I wasn't the one with the camera. Obviously. So, those will have to come later. But here's a few snippets from google images so you can get a general idea.

Gorgeous, no?

Well. We arrived and got some poached eggs on toast at this cute kiosk overlooking the beach. It was spectacular. A family came and got some coffees while we were having our breakfast. It was the grandparent's, the Mom and the little son. Out of nowhere, the little boy all of the sudden just comes walking right over to me and holds my hand. It was the cutest thing. Ever. I felt really privileged. Kids like me!!!

We ended up talking to them for a bit, they happened to be from England so Ross was quizzing them about their roots. One of the grandfather's walks over and asks us if we just met. We smiled and said sort of and then his hits Ross on the shoulder and says, "Not too bad *indicating towards me* you kids have fun!"

WTF. Not too bad. Geez. Thanks.

Eventually we finish up and find our way to the base of the lighthouse. We took the "easier" route up to the lighthouse although it was incredibly steep and rocky. And yes, of course I wore flip-flops. Or thongs as they call them here. "Nice thongs!"

Anywaaaaaay. We came to a rock that overlooked the water and we literally sat there for an hour. Just taking in the breathtaking view and chatting about nothing. It was awesome.

Then we walked the rest of the way up to the lighthouse. We stood on top of a sign to look at the amazing view the lighthouse had to offer. Some guy working on the trails stopped and took our picture then suggested we go down about 20 metres to find, yet another, overlook.

I wish I told that guy I was in love with him. This. was. incredible. You could sit on a rock and overlook the GIANT Pacific ocean that looked out to several different islands off the coast. Whoa. Yet again, we sat and took in the sites for hours.

Eventually we made our way back to the beach and got into his car to get some lunch. Ah-hem. Should I mention it? I don't know...I don't know if it'd be right...ah, f it.

He got a parking ticket. How shitty is that?! And it wasn't like a, "hey, whoops, shouldn't have parked here...tsk tsk..here's a $10 fine." It was was $81 DOLLARS. What kind of parking ticket is that??!?!

Whatever. He got over it and we went to lunch at the place next door to the place we had breakfast. We had a seafood tasting plate and, um, that was literally what it was. A tasting plate -- not meant to be shared, that's for sure. Especially when Ross got another parking ticket (That's $162 in tickets, people). I'm not lying. It was a sad scene to watch.

But, we made the most of it, had a glass of wine and decided to go "hire" some kayaks and enjoy the rest of the views.

That wasn't exactly a good idea. It was nice to kayak, but, um, we got soaked. And I didn't bring a bathingsuit. And I definitely wore jeans. And the wind. Oh, the wind. It wasn't so kind to us. We didn't get very far before we "pulled over" and just decided to go swimming instead. The water was a lot warmer than the Pacific (we kayaked over like a lagoon) and it was crystal clear. Gorgeous.

Afterwards, we got back in the car and went to the mall to try to find me a camera. Unfortunately it was around 6pm and that's when everything closes. EVERYTHING. It's so gay. Srsly. I hate it.

But, whatever, we drove back to Coogee when we decided to go to Maroubra and grab a beer at a hotel. It's weird how everything is in hotels here -- clubs, bars, restaurants, gambling. Very bizarre. Anyway. We had an awesome time here reflecting on our days and laughing ourselves to tears. Phenomenal.

We went back to Coogee where we both cleaned up and went off to a Thai restaurant on the "strip." It was DELICIOUS! Awesome Pad Thai, lemme tell ya!

Ross is obsessed with ice cream and I think throughout the day he mentioned it, oh, about 10 times. So afterwards we went and got him some gelato. As we were walking back, I don't even know what I was doing, but I decided to drop the bottle of wine I had purchased for our dinner. It smashed everywhere and someone across the street screamed, "Taxi!" -- that's like saying...You're cut off. Which I was.

And yes. We did clean up the glass...as much as we could.

Anyway. That was my Palm Beach/Monday experience. A wonderful one, at that.

But that's not the end of my story.

I worked this morning at 6:45am. There were literally 3 people on the floor. It was insanity. Luckily we weren't too busy, but busy enough to keep us running all day long. And we didn't even make great tips :-(

Although. I had several people tell me today that I was nothing but smiles and they really enjoyed my company. They were so nice. So nice. One lady asked if I was an actress and said I should teach it one day. How weird.

After work, I hopped a bus to Bondi Junction, so I could do some shopping at a few Electronic stores. The first one, Bing Lee, had a HUGE canon for $95. I contemplated it, but I just hated the camera. Plus it uses batteries and I just plain HATE that. I'm such a snob.

So I left there pretty decided I'd be back to get the P.O.S. I walked over to Dick Smith's and found all their cameras to be out of my price range and the selection -- terrible. Went into Harvey Norman's just to look and found the same Canon for $99. I played with it for a bit and was still disappointed. I decided to look at the Sony Cybershot but determined that it was exactly like the other one and I didn't even like that one. I picked up the new Canon IXUS and again, I was disappointed.

I left there completely unsatisfied and more confused before I even got to Bondi. I walked over to the department store, Myer, since I read on their website that they sold cameras, just at department store prices. But my AWESOME Uncle had sent me a few gift cards for Christmas and they were beginning to burn a hole in my pocket.

I saw the same damn Canon for $20 more. And I finally made a decision that'd I'd just go ahead and buy the stupid camera, I'll lose it anyway.

I get a worker and he looks underneath the display to reveal...that the camera wasn't available -- sold out. Ah. Shit! I was bummed and figured it wasn't meant to be, so I decided to go see if they sold running shoes. Nope. No luck.

Those gift cards starting talking to me, so I decided I'd just go up there and get one I figured was okay. I found a fujifilm camera I liked enough (I know, what. was. I. thinking??!) and got the same worker to come over and get it for me. Sure enough. Sold Out.

COM'ON! At this point I questioned whether they really did sell cameras there. He suggested that we check the other stores and see what they had to offer.

As we walked over to the counter, I noticed a few cameras stashed away in a display case. I peered in and asked the guy what was up with those. He said, "Oh no, those are old and are missing parts."

Dude. Do I care?!? NO. As long as it works, I'll be good. I found a Sony Cybershot just like my Mom's back home for $100. But it was missing the battery. Bizarre. Then I spoted a Canon IXUS75. It has scratches all of the front, but had a battery it in and was GORGEOUS. I asked him how much it would be and he came back with $90.

DONE.

I was SOLD. All I'd have to do was get a memory card, usb connector and a charger and I'd be good. When he rang it up at the register, it was only $80 and he said he'd go in the back and see if he would find the box. WHICH HE DID. So I had everything I could need. EVERYTHING.

You guys. I was JUMPING for joy at this point. I told the guy he had made my day and I loved him. Then I kissed him on the mouth and now I'm with child.

Okay. Not really. But Day-um. What an awesome find. AWESOME.

I walked over to Harvey Norman's and bought me a 2GB memory stick and decided to treat myself to a Kmart run. It's my new Target. And I was returning stuff anyways -- com'on. Would you expect anything less?

I bought myself some swimming trunks and this cute jacket.

Sorry for the hair. I went straight to Bondi to shop after work, so, um, no shower for me.

Hey. It gets cold sometimes and plus, since I lost my Twilight Hoodie (still pisssed), I figured I deserved it. And it did ring up as $7 at the register, so, um, I needed it.

That's my recap. Thanks for reading EVERYTHING. As soon as I get the Palm Beach photos, if I get them, I'll post 'em!

Va Va Room!

A little recap of my day...

I worked today only from 8-3. We were busy as H! It was awesome though because all of the sudden it was noon. Then it was 3 and I was like...OKAY! Would've made some awesome cash if we didn't have so many people on, but it's all good -- we needed everyone.

I also received several compliments from the "manager on duty" -- it was Pedro....remember him? He said he was impressed at how well I have really grown as a waitress...at Barzura.

Oh man. How sad does that sound?!? Sucks I'm leaving in less than two weeks and no one knows yet. I feel bad, honestly, I do. But. Such is life. I can't help that I want to move on and explore what this country has to offer. Some customers told me today that I HAD to go to Queensland. They say they never go, but it's a must....how does that work?

Anyway. After we sat around and ate lunch awkwardly......

Oh. I should probably explain the awkwardness. Basically. Pedro (the M.O.D.) is dating another girl named Lisa. You met her when we played Spin the Bottle at CBH. Anyway. This is all fine and dandy, except, Pedro's ex-girlfriend, Conti, is not so happy. Why? Because they all used to be best friends. Conti had to leave to extend her working visa and BAM. The goods were taken and life with Pedro was over for her.

Whoops. The kicker -- they all work together at Barzura.

How awful is that? I'd be getting myself a new job, a new place and a new life. The end.

So, after awkward lunch, we went over to CBH and had ourselves a few pitchers (ah-hem, jugs) of beer. The music was right, the sun was HOT and the company...was grand. Love these people. Srsly.

We ended up going our separate ways. I had a few things I could've done afterwards -- gone into the city and do an IEP event with Minelle -- who cancelled cuz she was tired. Can't blame the girl.

Or go to Bondi to...well...replace my old camera.

Or perhaps go to dinner with my roommate or at least hang out with the people I live with.

Nope. Instead, randomly, I got a call from my friend Dave, remember him? Yeah. Been awhile, eh? We kind of stopped talking after he took Melanie and me to a gay bar our third night in Sydney. Wonder why we haven't been in touched?

Regardless, he had a $120,000 car on loaner from his company and wanted to go driving. I said, "Yes PLEASE." We ended up going over to Bondi, except everything was closed. Although. Kmart was open.

People. I love me some KMart over here. In the States, that place SUCKS, but here -- it's glorious. And the prices are always so right.

Except I didn't buy a camera. Oh no, I had to be picky about that. Instead I bought clothes. And a ton of clothes at that. What is WRONG with me?! Hey. They're really cute. If I had a camera, I'd do a fashion show. But, alas, I do not.

However.
Here's a pic of my bday dress I got the other day in Cronulla for $15. Amazing.
How. Cute. Eh?
It came with a black ribbon around the waist, but I bought a blue one...since...blue's my fav color. Duh.
(Sorry for the sh!tty quality..taken with my computer)

After that, he took me back to his place (OoooOoooo -- no...not like that) where we made some din-din and watched his roommates play video games. *cough* Nerds.

On the way home. I'm not sure if I can admit this openly. But. He stopped the car. Put it in park and....

Let. Me. Drive.

WTF! I freaked. I haven't driven in two months and I haven't driven on the WRONG side of the road. It was a feat. And he kept telling me to move over more because I was a little too close to the parked cars on my LEFT.

I'm not gonna lie. I could get used to this. But I need some practice. BIG TIME.

Anyway. That was my Sunday. It was a good one. As soon as I really start to feel comfortable in this place, I have to leave. Bummer. But it's all good. Off to explore the WORLD. Sort of.

Update Fundate - Part 2

Thursday.

At first, I had a whole post waiting to be written about my Thursday -- just my Thursday, then I realized. Oh wait. Thursday wasn't eventful. At. All. So, here's a quick snippet.

Went to work at 6:45am.

Wasn't told I was slow and I even asked my manager if he thought I was slow today. He said no. Sweet.

That night, my roommate and I made a grocery store run cuz we're crazy. Out of control, if you will. As we were checking out, I told the lady I probably paid her salary due to my "late night runs" to the grocery. She didn't even crack a smile and told me she was tired. Oh, you crazy Australians, not getting American sense of humor. ::sigh::

BTW. I went to the Doctor on Wednesday because enough was enough. He basically told me was a virus, couldn't do anything and good luck to me. Good thing I paid him to tell me that.

Now Friday.

That was a WHOLE other day.

I dragged myself out of bed, unsuccessfully early, and took my ass to the City. It was about time I got to go pick up a package my Mom had sent me and I figured I could go to a museum or something while I was there.

I picked up my package filled with lots of goodies from Hong Kong. Did I mention my mom went there and didn't even bother to stop over in Australia to say hi?! NICE ONE, Mom. Appreciate it.

Anyway -- I decided to go do some shopping on my way to find the museum. I ended up buying a $10 dress, $19 pair of shoes and a few other knickknacks I didn't need.

I don't know why, but I decided to get lost in the process of shopping and sort of looking for the museum. I finally found the damn museum at 3:30pm. They were closing at 5pm. After talking with the "museum receptionist" -- who, btw, was full of useless information and took his job waaaaaaaaaaay too seriously -- told me I could do the museum in an hour, no problem. I paid the guy $5, thanks to my awesome 'LIFETIME MEMBER' FCCJ Student Card (love that thing!) and walked about the museum. I found some pretty cool stuff all about the history of Sydney and how it came to be...Sydney. Lots of videos and I know a ton of stuff about the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Probably more than I need to know.

There was a cool exhibit about Sydney people and their pets. Ugh. This made me miss my kitty, Charcoal. She's staying with my mom for the time being and, ya know what, I wouldn't be surprised if my mom wanted to keep Charcoal after this. She's really grown on my mom. My mom used to hate my cat. She won't deny it either -- my cat's...special. She likes people if she's forced to, otherwise she'll try to eat you. Literally. It's kind of disturbing, but what can I say, she's my baby. Plus. I'm stuck with her for another...mmm...10 years. Ew. LOVE YA!

Anyway, after an eventful day in the city, I got on the bus to go back to Coogee. A girl I work with at Barzura invited me out for drinks on Friday and as I was on the bus, she called me up to tell me to meet her at her place around 8pm. I brought over a bottle of wine, we gossiped for a bit and then the boys showed up. There were 4 guys who are friend's with Nikki's boyfriend (they're Scottish and the boys are English). They brought two boxes of Goon -- it's basically just boxed wine that tastes like a-hole. Delish. And, for some odd reason, we decided to play drinking games. With wine. Ugh.

People. I drank a whole bottle of wine that night. I don't drink much over here and that hurt. A lot. I was...hmm, what's the word? Gone. We finally scrapped ourselves up off the floor and decided to go to Bondi for more...drinks. Remember the other night? The one where JR and I went to a place called Beach Rd Hotel? Yeah. That's where we headed.

BUT.

I was denied entry. YUP. I was too drunk to go inside. WHAT. IN. THE. I have never been denied entry into a place, EVER. In America, if you want to spend your money, COME ON IN. It was hilarious, actually. Walked up to the bouncer and he said, "Sorry guys. I was told not to let you in." WOW.

Whatever. At least I wasn't the only one. Nikki, Sam and I decided to go back and call it a night, since we were pretty done. I don't have ANY pictures from that night, that's how drunk I was.

I had a really good time that night. I think it was one of the better nights I've had in Sydney. Thank God. It's all about the right people. These people were good for me.

Wait til Saturday's update. Oh goodness...

Let us bow our heads...

Well after a night like that, one must be saying to themselves, "it can't get any worse than that! It's all uphill from here!"

Wrong.

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Just. Plain. Wrong.

I woke up about 9am, ready to take on another glorious, sunny day in Australia. I had made plans yesterday to "treat" myself to the Museum of Contemporary Art in The Rocks (near the Sydney Harbour).

After getting my ass in gear, I was on my way to Circular Quay, listening to my ipod and rocking out. My lip still hurt and it'd worsen during the night.

But I carried on and was ready to take in some Art.

I hopped off the bus, gathered my things and decided to walk through the train station. At Circular Quay there are a ton of musicians and street performers, which the train/bus/ferry station is known for. I looked up, saw the Museum and decided this would be an opportune time to capture the moment. I stopped near the railing along the Harbour Bay and began to put away my ipod, unload my camera and check my phone all at once.

DISASTROUS COMBINATION.

Take a guess -- which one was it? Oh. No worries, wasn't an important one at all.

JUST. MY. CAMERA.

It jumped right out of my hand, cracked against the concrete and *SPLASH*, right into the lovely Harbour water. You know when people say things happen in slow motion. Yup. That's the same thing that happened here. I gasped, I watched and *plop* it was gone. GONE.

If that camera was waterproof, I would've seriously jumped right in there after it -- not one 2nd thought.

I stood there for about a minute. Looked around to see if anyone else noticed (which, of course, no one did) and walked over to the museum. This is one of those moments you really just need to talk to someone. Especially with someone that you can tell repeatedly how effin' stupid you are.

Yup. I called my mom.

I sat down on the stairs of the museum and cried. Again. This is starting to become a daily ritual. Not a healthy one either.

She calmed me down and before you knew it, I was off, walking along Pitt St to find an electronics store. Sorry, but I really can't go a day without my camera....or at least a camera. Bought myself a new Sony - nothing fancy, just something decent enough to get through my time here in Australia. Which I'm starting to question how long I'll really be here. "Stick it out" says my adventurous, masochistic side. "Get the H outta here" says my brain...and my self-esteem.

And. FYI. I'm glad I didn't jump in after my camera. I walked back to take a picture of my camera's new resting place and saw a sh!tload of jellies swimming around.

That situation could've easily gone from bad to worse in .25 seconds.

I walked back to the museum because by golly -- that's what I came into the city to do damnit!! I was really glad I did too because I saw some really F'd up art. I loved it. Especially this one.

All of the artist's statues lacked heads. It was something else. Very intriguing. That's a picture of a postcard, by the way. I only was able to take 4 pictures on the camera's internal memory stick.

I also really thought this art struck home.

There were four mirrors on the wall -- each were broken in their own way and distorted your reflection differently. It spoke to me -- it helps explain my emotional state right now and all my crazy experiences I've been having since coming to OZ. Sometimes the pieces fit, make sense, other times, I feel like an incomplete puzzle.

Afterwards, I hopped a bus to go to Bondi since Melanie and I needed a few supplies for our "camping adventure" happening tomorrow. Little did I know what big ticket items we were in need of -- ugh -- and I ended up carrying around big bags of groceries. I felt like a total tool. However, I will let you know that I am an amazing bargain shopper and I win when it comes to spending very little on items that are usually more expensive.

After that extravaganza, I finally was en route to Coogee. Yay. Home away from home. Well, I hopped another bus and picked the best seat "in the house." Whoops. Wrong again. It started to downpour, which made me happy because I missed walked around in it, however, the bus decided it wanted to take leak. And it wanted to take a leak on my head. That bus, basically, pissed all over me. Some old lady was sitting next to me and kind of just looked and smiled. WTF?! Once the bus came to a stop, I told her to get her ass up so I could move. Jerk. My ass was completely soaked. Everyone just looked at me with a pitiful smile. Way to go me.

So. Let's take a few minutes and mourn the loss of one of my very good friends, Mr. Camera. He was really, really good to me, but I guess his time was up. After purchasing my new camera, I reflected on why bad stuff keeps happening to me. But, perhaps, this is a sign. A sign that I need to let go of what I know, what I remember about how things are supposed to be, and open myself up to new opportunities. New, Australian opportunities. I'm stuck in this, "well, back home..." phase and it's just not working out for me. How about, "Well...here in Australia, they do it this way and that way rocks." Oh boy. I think I have some learning to do.

Anyway. The nice folks at Sony were kind enough to find a few pictures taken with me and my camera. We grew very close over this past year so it was hard to lose one another. Here's a slide show of a few events we attended.

Mr. Camera and I betting on horses at the Randwick Races, Boxing Day, 2008.

Mr. Camera lounging on a beach chair in Anguilla, The Carribbean, January 2008.

Our favorite passtime, napping, Sunday Afternoons, circa 2008.

Meant for each other, December 2008.

In loving memory
Mr. Camera.
Devoted Camera, Devoted Friend.
Thanks for capturing all the good times.

Hard Knock Life

Tonight. Was a very very hard night.

I apologize in advance, I don't want to "alarm" anyone or make them worry about me. But I just need to be frank and honest -- and, more importantly, I need to vent.

My day today started very normal, much like my days here in Australia. Wake up with the sun, contemplate what I really want to do with my day and do it. Today was scheduled as boxing day and we (as in all the housemates) made plans to go to the Randwick Races.

But, that post will have to wait.

Right now, I need to talk about my night. Not my day, but my night.

After the races, Melanie and I came back to our place to veg. She went to the beach to get some sun -- more sun -- and I stayed back and posted my Christmas post and turned into a bum.

I've been gaining weight here and haven't been happy about that at. all. It's caused me to kind of fall back into this depression I had when I woke up one day and realized, "I'm fat."

This is something I've been battling since day one in Australia. The food here is amazing. The exercise -- waking up hill everywhere -- seems sufficient enough and it's not. I'm used to a heavy routine of exercise and cutting out a lot of breads and the good stuff in life...I've been doing the opposite here.

Picture after picture I take of myself I slump more and more into this, "why again?!" attitude. And it's, frankly, starting to kill me.

So. After being a total bum and really thinking about this over and over again, I went for a walk. Not a very strenuous walk, but a walk nonetheless.

After, I walked into our room where I found Melanie dressed up again (as we were earlier) and with a bottle of wine in hand. I laughed, because she looked absolutely ridiculous, and she told me she was off to the Coogee Bay Hotel (CBH) to meet up with the Irish lads we live with. I, of course, was invited. I decided to stay back and do 20 minutes of the 30-day Shred DVD my friend Kelli gave me. I would meet up with her later.

I finished the workout session and wanted to die. I was covered, head-to-toe, with sweat and was proud of myself for getting off my butt and exercising.

I hopped in the shower and put on a dress I would never normally wear. Ever. I found it at a shop here in Sydney for $10 and thought...maybe one day. Turns out every girl here goes to town when it comes to going out. I hate it. I like my jeans and a nice shirt. Gets the boys back home. Why does it have to been so different here?

Case in point -- I haven't really met anyone. So, I thought, why not. Put the dress on and see what happens.I hate to say this, but I thought I looked pretty damn good. Definitely not my norm, but good enough to impress someone. Anyone?

I waited in line at the CBH forever, finally got in, walked around to find Melanie surrounded by a group of guys. I literally sighed and thought in my head, 'figures.' I stood around her for a hot minute and after being ignored the entire time, I took off to get a glass of something -- anything to ease myself into the night scene.

After I came back, I found Melanie making out with some guy...classy. Not that I'm any better, but as I said before, 'figures.' I stood around for a bit, danced with some really drunk Asian and was told that the whole crew of guys are Rugby players. I looked her dead in the eye and told her to be careful. She's a bit of a magnet for trouble and these guys were no different. I know they can definitely be aggressive and even more so when alcohol is mixed in.

I got a text message from Pedro, the guy I work with at Barzura, saying he was at Bonit Road Hotel. He told me to come along and since I wasn't interested in CBH or the Rugby Players, I thought why the hell not. Plus -- it's Pedro. More face time with him!

I got a cab, although it took me 400 years to find one, and had a great conversation with the cabbie. He was very polite, told me a few things about his life and Sydney -- then we arrived at Bondi Beach Hotel. I know what you're thinking, but Pedro is at Bondit Road Hotel. Well, he told me to go there and all would be okay. So I call him up -- no answer. I get in line, show the security guy my id -- get a compliment that I'm from Florida, "ooo and so beautiful," -- and I walk inside. Call Pedro again. Text Pedro. No. Answer.

This is when I thought to myself yet again, 'figures.' I just knew this was going to happen. I spent a $20 cab ride to Bondi for what....to walk around a new bar? By myself? What was I supposed to do...sit down with a drink and look awkward? If you know me well enough, I have a hard time not looking awkward sitting by myself drinking. It's pretty pathetic actually.

So. After a long walk around the huge bar, gaming room, hotel, patio, I decided to leave. He did originally tell me he was at Bondit Road Hotel -- maybe it was different.

I walked up the strip and back again with no avail. I still hadn't heard anything from Pedro and it had been 40 minutes. I walked around, thinking I could go into a bar and make small talk, but decided my night was bunked and I might as well go back to Coogee. I hail a cab on the road and run over to his passenger side down.

As I open the door, I decide it would be really smart to slam the door into my face. Oh yes, ask me how I did it and I couldn't tell you, but I thought it'd be a great idea to basically punch myself in the face. Boy, did that freakin hurt. The cab asked me if I was okay and I was already tearing up because of the stupid night I was having. He started to go and I looked down and saw I had definitely pushed my bottom lip into my teeth and was bleeding. He turned on the light, took a look at me, pulled over and got me some tissues. Of course, the meter was still going the whole time this was happening.

The whole ride home, I kept putting pressure on my lip, trying to stop the blood while stifling the tears in my eyes. Eventually the physical pain began to subside, but the emotional pain form the night began to take over.

I told the cab to stop in front of the Palace Hotel and I'd walked the rest of the way. Yet another $20 down the drain.

Who called as soon as the cab pulled over? Pedro. I couldn't even begin to tell you the anger, frustration, hurt, etc. I felt with that phone call. My lip had stopped bleeding, but I felt like the biggest loser in Coogee. I cried the whole walk home. Pathetic, I know, but it's therapeutic I'm told.

And how's my lip? Well, there's a picture below, but I want to warn you.

Ladies and Gentlemen, children of all ages, scroll down only if you dare. If you are hypersensitive to disorderly redheads living in Australia, leave now! I will not be held responsible for any emotional distress this may cause, any nightmares produced or any Baker Acts induced by the following image. Reader's beware, this may cause damage to your eyes.

What? It freakin hurts.

Thanks, Blogger. I feel better now. I needed to get that off my chest.

Anyone have any tips on how to meet people -- good people -- while I'm here in Australia. Cuz so far, everyone blows.

Bungabar - Bondi Beach

After my job hunting extravaganza, I convinced Melanie to come with to me an IEP event at another beach called Bondi Beach. This beach is what Sydney is known for -- tons of tourists, tons of shops, places to see and restaurants (o. lord. the restaurants!) to eat at. Well, on our bus trip over there, guess what I discovered?



O yeah. That's a Target. I almost died. And made Melanie humiliate herself by taking a touristy picture of me in front of Target.

I. was. so. happy. O. SO. HAPPY.









Besides. I needed some new work pants/tops/shoes for my first day on the job. DUH. Needless to say, my roommate, being the Canadian she is, did not know what Target was. I think that's when I punched her in the mouth. But don't quote me on that.

Anyway. She too loved it and compared it to Winners. Which, ah-hem, Target is so not comparable imo (that means "in my opinion" for the less text savvy). I win.

Anyway, we barely made it to the event since I was consumed with my real-life Target fantasies. But here are a few pics :-)






Cheers!













Shots on the hizzy!








And for my GOOD friends and their awesome 2008 Gators -- I just had to take this pic!







Go Gators!