Three months... exactly three months... that's how long I have lived in Australia. It seems like I just got here in some ways and in others, well it seems like I've been here much longer. Way longer.
I'm quite settled, I'm happy, I'm enjoying life and the world around me and am missing everyone back home a little less each day - until they fully enter my thoughts and then I miss them like crazy. Completely. I want them all to be here, not to go home but them just here.
I don't miss Vancouver like I thought I would - I think because I came to a place that is so similar... I'm surrounded by the ocean, what calms me - water. And the sunshine, it's a daily occurrence even in winter which makes everything better. Even when it rains most of the day you can still count on the sun in between the downpour.
So... here we go - another update after three months... about me, my life now, my world and what it looks like...
I love crossfit... well, it's a love/hate thing really but it's making me better
and I love the photos of the board after a crossfit day - just seeing my name up there and what I (and many others) accomplished that day
I am loving my new home town and have always felt like a resident never a visitor
There are now three places I call home - Perth, Vancouver and wherever my parents are (currently Winnipeg) - Vancouver will always be home
I am stronger now than when I left Vancouver. I was happy when I left and now I am both happy and confident. Growing.
I am scared of how long it will be before I see old friends, I miss them dearly
I hate the hours of 2pm-5pm during the week where I'm at work and most people I know back home are asleep
I (surprisingly) miss starbucks... the feeling will only escalate when I know it's pumpkin latte season... (it's pumpkin latte season)
There is a strange obsession here with scented toilet paper...
and there are no stores at all similar to Canadian Tire - I miss that store, the convenience of it all...
I have possums (or rats) living in my roof and it seems like a person is walking up there... small children screaming.
I find it odd that June, July and August are now WINTER... huh?
and that most of the world is currently talking about the end of summer - not down here...
I find it odd that I will have a summer birthday (in November)
I found my happiness before I left Vancouver but in Perth I still have happiness and have found confidence
I am inspired by so many people here, everyday. The generosity and support and encouragement - both shocking and awesome
People are full of surprises and I like that - losing expectations and going with the flow.
Dating is horrible, I don't like it at all but I'm trying - putting myself out there just to see what might await... who knows, I could be pleasantly surprised, and if not at least I'll have some good stories. Lots of stories...
and boys are more into calling - actual phone calls - at least the ones from here - texting is left to the boys from elsewhere, the transplants like me - it's a strange distinction and brings out my fear of the phone, when did this happen (I grew up without texts, mobile phones)
I will say yes, always yes. It adds to the adventure, the stories. Everything yes.
Sometimes it's good just to act like a kid again and ages don't matter. People matter. Connections matter. Age is just a number we can't change.
I'm becoming addicted to working out - seeing the progress - getting stronger. In so many ways... I am stronger for this adventure - the next chapter of my life. For taking the chance and reaping the rewards...
Showing posts with label aus-update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aus-update. Show all posts
28 September 2011
20 August 2011
A start... (20 August 2011)
This morning I was lucky enough to share breakfast with some beautiful people (Match, Kirsten, Jack, Tim) in a stunning setting - sitting in the sunshine overlooking the ocean after an awesome, challenging and fun workout.
It was sitting here, enjoying each other and the intellectual conversation that Match shared with us his experience last week up in Broome. He inspired us to have a vision, to have goals - big shiny anything you can dream up ten year goals. And then - break that down into how you get there - one step each day towards something... whatever your heart desires. It was only just a start but here, big and small, I put out to my friends, to the universe, what my heart desires. What on this day I see my future looking like, nothing to hold me back.
-I want a FAMILY - a partner and a child. My partner will love me literally for better and worse, will challenge me, know when to push and know when to give me space. And in return I will do the same. We will choose each other everyday over all else. Partners in every sense. And our child... an innocent being - the future undefined, wide open. They will get our support and encouragement for anything they could ever dream of (just like I was lucky to have).
-I want a career that let's me be mobile - travel when I want to but still provide for my family. I don't want roots but connections to many different places. Always adventuring, exploring, LEARNING...
-I want to be a writer - have a book published. Express my thoughts. I don't know what the story is yet but I love words - like to write. It will come.
And in the shorter term... I'm putting these goals out there too because I learned today that when people know them they want to help, support, encourage - and it's already taken shape...
-I want to finish the Doctor race in January 2012 - paddle my surfski from Rottnest Island to Sorrento Beach - a 28km downwinder. Kirsten and Match have already mentioned their connections - race organisers, other paddlers.... it's starting...
-I want to fly somewhere on the second level of a plane - superficial? yes - possible? definitely. My boss already knows this goal and there's a work trip to Scandinavia in the works...
-I want to become stronger , fitter, the best I can be. The wheels are already in motion.
So what does all this look like? To me... today... it's in my head, in these words. But it's starting to take shape... more clear than when I woke up this morning.
-I'm going to challenge myself to write everyday - something - anything. Figure out my voice. I'm going to set up a blog (done - http://myintentionishappiness.blogspot.com/) to track my musings. My world.
-I'm going to always say yes. Yes, even when I want to say no - yes to meeting new people, to dates, to adventures, people, experiences. I'll meet that special person when I'm not looking but open - my heart is finally open (though it took a very long time). Yes, always yes.
-I'm going to jump on my ski every chance I get - I'm going to face challenging conditions - head on - SAFELY... I know how to do it - it's within me. The boat is slightly different, the training wheels have been removed but my water skills, strength, it's all still there. I'm going to find plenty of people to paddle with and learn from each of them whatever I can.
-I'm going to continue loving my job - taking on new challenges, listening, learning and absorbing everything I can from the people around me and from the exciting things that are happening in these moments.
Little steps - each day - some things might come more quickly than others but I know I can handle it all. Nothing but me can stop me. I know this. I BELIEVE this. I'm strong, adaptable, fluid and open to the world. Moving half way around the world, alone, has taught me this. Look - I've already found such inspiring people, true personal connections of who we all are in this world.
So what are your goals? What will you do today to make them a reality? I dare you to take a step...
It was sitting here, enjoying each other and the intellectual conversation that Match shared with us his experience last week up in Broome. He inspired us to have a vision, to have goals - big shiny anything you can dream up ten year goals. And then - break that down into how you get there - one step each day towards something... whatever your heart desires. It was only just a start but here, big and small, I put out to my friends, to the universe, what my heart desires. What on this day I see my future looking like, nothing to hold me back.
-I want a FAMILY - a partner and a child. My partner will love me literally for better and worse, will challenge me, know when to push and know when to give me space. And in return I will do the same. We will choose each other everyday over all else. Partners in every sense. And our child... an innocent being - the future undefined, wide open. They will get our support and encouragement for anything they could ever dream of (just like I was lucky to have).
-I want a career that let's me be mobile - travel when I want to but still provide for my family. I don't want roots but connections to many different places. Always adventuring, exploring, LEARNING...
-I want to be a writer - have a book published. Express my thoughts. I don't know what the story is yet but I love words - like to write. It will come.
And in the shorter term... I'm putting these goals out there too because I learned today that when people know them they want to help, support, encourage - and it's already taken shape...
-I want to finish the Doctor race in January 2012 - paddle my surfski from Rottnest Island to Sorrento Beach - a 28km downwinder. Kirsten and Match have already mentioned their connections - race organisers, other paddlers.... it's starting...
-I want to fly somewhere on the second level of a plane - superficial? yes - possible? definitely. My boss already knows this goal and there's a work trip to Scandinavia in the works...
-I want to become stronger , fitter, the best I can be. The wheels are already in motion.
So what does all this look like? To me... today... it's in my head, in these words. But it's starting to take shape... more clear than when I woke up this morning.
-I'm going to challenge myself to write everyday - something - anything. Figure out my voice. I'm going to set up a blog (done - http://myintentionishappiness.blogspot.com/) to track my musings. My world.
-I'm going to always say yes. Yes, even when I want to say no - yes to meeting new people, to dates, to adventures, people, experiences. I'll meet that special person when I'm not looking but open - my heart is finally open (though it took a very long time). Yes, always yes.
-I'm going to jump on my ski every chance I get - I'm going to face challenging conditions - head on - SAFELY... I know how to do it - it's within me. The boat is slightly different, the training wheels have been removed but my water skills, strength, it's all still there. I'm going to find plenty of people to paddle with and learn from each of them whatever I can.
-I'm going to continue loving my job - taking on new challenges, listening, learning and absorbing everything I can from the people around me and from the exciting things that are happening in these moments.
Little steps - each day - some things might come more quickly than others but I know I can handle it all. Nothing but me can stop me. I know this. I BELIEVE this. I'm strong, adaptable, fluid and open to the world. Moving half way around the world, alone, has taught me this. Look - I've already found such inspiring people, true personal connections of who we all are in this world.
So what are your goals? What will you do today to make them a reality? I dare you to take a step...
14 August 2011
An Update... Australia part 5
I'm struggling to write
I really want to...
so many thoughts trapped
inside my head
Today was a perfect day
met a new friend
who is friends
with an old one
it's a small world after all
It was a simple day
sleeping in and markets
drinking beer by the ocean
and KANGAROOS
lots and lots of roos
in the wild, just hanging out
sitting on a bench
drinking beer
watching them play
I'm starting to meet people
lots of people
a little like Vancouver
so few here from here
I've met
South Africans
and Kiwis
and Scots
Canadians
and a Brit
and of course several Aussies
some who have been to Canada
and some that are soon to be going
Our world, getting smaller
I have plans here
Broome and Bali
the Doctor Race
(with Shane and Linda?)
Hamilton Island
touring all of the west
and then the east
Christmas on the beach
bbq's and laughter
settling in
living
loving
staying
I love it here
though it makes me sad to think
I many never move back
though I miss Vancouver so
another chapter
all or nothing and
I'm most definitely all in
I really want to...
so many thoughts trapped
inside my head
Today was a perfect day
met a new friend
who is friends
with an old one
it's a small world after all
It was a simple day
sleeping in and markets
drinking beer by the ocean
and KANGAROOS
lots and lots of roos
in the wild, just hanging out
sitting on a bench
drinking beer
watching them play
I'm starting to meet people
lots of people
a little like Vancouver
so few here from here
I've met
South Africans
and Kiwis
and Scots
Canadians
and a Brit
and of course several Aussies
some who have been to Canada
and some that are soon to be going
Our world, getting smaller
I have plans here
Broome and Bali
the Doctor Race
(with Shane and Linda?)
Hamilton Island
touring all of the west
and then the east
Christmas on the beach
bbq's and laughter
settling in
living
loving
staying
I love it here
though it makes me sad to think
I many never move back
though I miss Vancouver so
another chapter
all or nothing and
I'm most definitely all in
28 July 2011
An update... Australia part 4...
The longing of part 3 completely overshadowed my true superficial update
there were so many things to state - but my love sprang in the darkness
and so a list... here goes...
-I don't fear the critters quite so much
perhaps because it's winter
or I'm becoming complacent
I can walk around in the dark now and not fear the worst
though I still have reservations in the shrubs and the rocks
and stepped on a cockroach the other night
-the Indian ocean is my new boyfriend
I'm sorry English Bay but we have to break up
winter paddling (in two seat), an easy 20km
surfing rogue waves and a mid paddle swim
did I mention it's winter
-the darkness comes early
it's just accepted
but it's not scary
the creatures are too cold to come out
-the markets are everywhere
surrounded by freshness
I cook more, better
it's easy when the packaged products cost so much
-the tv is no longer winning
it's the stereo that is always on
music, surrounding me
a solo dance party in my house every night
and lots and lots of writing...
-Sundays are my favorite day
nothings open except the markets
bags of produce for cheap
so fresh, so tasty...
-Sunday is also for cleaning and calm
for sitting on the veranda with a coffee in hand
some good tunes
and maybe picking some lemons
writing or reading or sharing some good conversation
simple and oh so lovely
-my drive to work is theraputic
I give way to my thoughts
the ocean scenery
a sense of calm
and the ride home, in darkness
serene
the ships like tiny far off cities on the horizon
-my mornings are less rushed, less sleepy
get up, kettle, shower - towel warm from the dryer
breakfast and lunch making, coffee
it's simple and calm
-my wardrobe is minimal
I like it this way, don't need more
perhaps just a warmer jacket
and another pair of work heels
but it's easy having less stuff, simple
-my laundry all smells different
and it still catches me off guard,
dried on the line and
detergents you don't find back home
-I started running again, slowly
and joined the crossfit gym
both are kicking my ass
and make me want to vomit but
they're testing my limits making me push
I like the hurt (yes, I'm crazy)
-Somewhere along the way I turned into my mother
with my love of red wine
and though I'm sure it happened in Vancouver
know it happened with Kimberley
I've just realized it here
and I can't say I mind...
-the storms here are unbelievable
monsoon rains and lightening
thunder rattling the trees
the winds taking control - powerful gusts
the tin roofs making it all close in
and from it all emerges the sun, quiet surrender
The theme here seems to be simple, calm, reduction, the pure essence.
It's bringing out who I truly am and what I truly want.
Peace and love - the little things...
my old stone cottage a great big garden
writing and learning and being
growing
I'm still waiting on someone to share all this with but I'm ready
when the time comes, when he comes... slowly, in my future
my heart is open and I'm comfortable in my own skin
and I don't want for anything, I've got more than I need
I'm falling in love all over again, with this city they call Perth
there were so many things to state - but my love sprang in the darkness
and so a list... here goes...
-I don't fear the critters quite so much
perhaps because it's winter
or I'm becoming complacent
I can walk around in the dark now and not fear the worst
though I still have reservations in the shrubs and the rocks
and stepped on a cockroach the other night
-the Indian ocean is my new boyfriend
I'm sorry English Bay but we have to break up
winter paddling (in two seat), an easy 20km
surfing rogue waves and a mid paddle swim
did I mention it's winter
-the darkness comes early
it's just accepted
but it's not scary
the creatures are too cold to come out
-the markets are everywhere
surrounded by freshness
I cook more, better
it's easy when the packaged products cost so much
-the tv is no longer winning
it's the stereo that is always on
music, surrounding me
a solo dance party in my house every night
and lots and lots of writing...
-Sundays are my favorite day
nothings open except the markets
bags of produce for cheap
so fresh, so tasty...
-Sunday is also for cleaning and calm
for sitting on the veranda with a coffee in hand
some good tunes
and maybe picking some lemons
writing or reading or sharing some good conversation
simple and oh so lovely
-my drive to work is theraputic
I give way to my thoughts
the ocean scenery
a sense of calm
and the ride home, in darkness
serene
the ships like tiny far off cities on the horizon
-my mornings are less rushed, less sleepy
get up, kettle, shower - towel warm from the dryer
breakfast and lunch making, coffee
it's simple and calm
-my wardrobe is minimal
I like it this way, don't need more
perhaps just a warmer jacket
and another pair of work heels
but it's easy having less stuff, simple
-my laundry all smells different
and it still catches me off guard,
dried on the line and
detergents you don't find back home
-I started running again, slowly
and joined the crossfit gym
both are kicking my ass
and make me want to vomit but
they're testing my limits making me push
I like the hurt (yes, I'm crazy)
-Somewhere along the way I turned into my mother
with my love of red wine
and though I'm sure it happened in Vancouver
know it happened with Kimberley
I've just realized it here
and I can't say I mind...
-the storms here are unbelievable
monsoon rains and lightening
thunder rattling the trees
the winds taking control - powerful gusts
the tin roofs making it all close in
and from it all emerges the sun, quiet surrender
The theme here seems to be simple, calm, reduction, the pure essence.
It's bringing out who I truly am and what I truly want.
Peace and love - the little things...
my old stone cottage a great big garden
writing and learning and being
growing
I'm still waiting on someone to share all this with but I'm ready
when the time comes, when he comes... slowly, in my future
my heart is open and I'm comfortable in my own skin
and I don't want for anything, I've got more than I need
I'm falling in love all over again, with this city they call Perth
24 July 2011
An Update... Australia part 3...
I've been here a month... time flies.
And even though Jan would like rhymes, I think this will be freeform at best.
I'm growing here.
It was hard packing up and leaving Vancouver,
leaving 8 years of my life
leaving friends.
Friends who taught me in my last few weeks what really matters
They are all that matter - those that you love.
Sometimes they are the people you are scared to love
or the people you surround yourself with that you never quite tell how you feel.
It's those people that we sometimes (unintentionally) take for granted.
They are life.
What matters most.
All that we have.
They are the friends that taught me, as I was leaving...
I miss them all dearly but carry a part of them each in my heart.
They showed me what matters, how I matter
And taught me to show them how much they mean to me-
Love in many forms - for I love you all dearly.
You have shaped me and allowed me to grow
Have let me be who I am and loved me back all the same.
I miss you.
But it is in these past few weeks that I've found a new love.
A new city.
A new home. My own home. A house to call mine.
The Indian ocean has replaced my boyfriend English Bay
And I'm sure my surfski will soon compete for my love of Kermie
I'm rediscovering the little things - the ones that matter most.
I'm meeting people and less afraid to open my heart...
and it's all because of what you taught me Vancouver
8 years of growing, learning, becoming.
I was young and scared when I drove out to the west
I was running and supported by the strongest of walls.
But I let myself grow, let myself look forward not behind
Stopped judging myself for stupid mistakes
and knowing a good apology was worth the lesson.
I'm glad that I transitioned there.
It's the place that I'll always call home.
But I'm down under now.
Meeting new people that are showing me that life is just the same
but I'm different this time
I'm not afraid, not questioning my self worth and that's a huge jump
a leap of faith that I'm happy with.
My heart is open for all that surrounds me
For what is new, for the challenges I'll face
and for the loneliness at times I still feel.
But I'm happy. In this moment - full on.
I sit here in the dark as the power company replaces the line
My ramblings taking on such a different form of what they were
What was in my head mere hours ago.
I like that.
Would rather feel and love than run and hide.
An ode if you will for the loves of my life - my friends and family.
A reassurance that I'm truly okay while missing you dearly.
There's something romantic about writing by the light of the fireplace
and two lonely candles.
Remind me though - I must get a 'torch'
Brought to you by the darkness, red wine and the letter X!
And even though Jan would like rhymes, I think this will be freeform at best.
I'm growing here.
It was hard packing up and leaving Vancouver,
leaving 8 years of my life
leaving friends.
Friends who taught me in my last few weeks what really matters
They are all that matter - those that you love.
Sometimes they are the people you are scared to love
or the people you surround yourself with that you never quite tell how you feel.
It's those people that we sometimes (unintentionally) take for granted.
They are life.
What matters most.
All that we have.
They are the friends that taught me, as I was leaving...
I miss them all dearly but carry a part of them each in my heart.
They showed me what matters, how I matter
And taught me to show them how much they mean to me-
Love in many forms - for I love you all dearly.
You have shaped me and allowed me to grow
Have let me be who I am and loved me back all the same.
I miss you.
But it is in these past few weeks that I've found a new love.
A new city.
A new home. My own home. A house to call mine.
The Indian ocean has replaced my boyfriend English Bay
And I'm sure my surfski will soon compete for my love of Kermie
I'm rediscovering the little things - the ones that matter most.
I'm meeting people and less afraid to open my heart...
and it's all because of what you taught me Vancouver
8 years of growing, learning, becoming.
I was young and scared when I drove out to the west
I was running and supported by the strongest of walls.
But I let myself grow, let myself look forward not behind
Stopped judging myself for stupid mistakes
and knowing a good apology was worth the lesson.
I'm glad that I transitioned there.
It's the place that I'll always call home.
But I'm down under now.
Meeting new people that are showing me that life is just the same
but I'm different this time
I'm not afraid, not questioning my self worth and that's a huge jump
a leap of faith that I'm happy with.
My heart is open for all that surrounds me
For what is new, for the challenges I'll face
and for the loneliness at times I still feel.
But I'm happy. In this moment - full on.
I sit here in the dark as the power company replaces the line
My ramblings taking on such a different form of what they were
What was in my head mere hours ago.
I like that.
Would rather feel and love than run and hide.
An ode if you will for the loves of my life - my friends and family.
A reassurance that I'm truly okay while missing you dearly.
There's something romantic about writing by the light of the fireplace
and two lonely candles.
Remind me though - I must get a 'torch'
Brought to you by the darkness, red wine and the letter X!
01 July 2011
An update... Australia part 1...
Today seems like the perfect day....
the day that Canada celebrates another year
a day when my closest friends wait for the wind to blow in the columbia gorge
a day to fully realize that I now live in AUSTRALIA...
I have been here for 3 days...
3 days where nothing feels different except for
the fact that I confuse my rights and lefts
I drive on the wrong side of the road
that while I can accept that it is winter
and that maybe I brought with me the Vancouver rain
the weather here is crazily schizophrenic
I'm happy for my gumboots
Happy Jacks is really just Burger King incarnated
and a decent coffee is impossible to come by
and bananas cost $8 per pound
the river has whitecaps and the ocean is primal
I can't wait to experience it all
I have an Australian license
will own a car here on monday
I have a bank account
and new mobile number
and am searching for just the perfect place to live
I'm excited for all that is to come
while still missing the people I love the most
and I have yet to see a kangaroo...
or a koala...
or any creepy crawlies...
I'm exhausted from the jet lag
which is so much harder to overcome
when they days are 3 hours shorter
summer is now winter
though my flip flops still adorn my feet
the changes are tiring and
I wonder why I was exhausted with the old
deep down I know great adventures await
and true friends will always be there
true friendships will continue to grow older
as we all grow old
new friends will come
and life will move on but
will never replace the old
the memories I will always carry in my heart
the people I will continue to carry in my heart.
a few highlights so far...
avocados are actually ripe in the grocery store
I have yet to learn what an Americano is called here
rental applications are worse than a highschool exam
I can drive on the left
but still haven't figured out how to walk down the sidewalk
australian phone numbers are confusing
and time zones are worse
but I'm here...
I'm strong
and I'm going to own this country soon...
miss you all
come visit!
the day that Canada celebrates another year
a day when my closest friends wait for the wind to blow in the columbia gorge
a day to fully realize that I now live in AUSTRALIA...
I have been here for 3 days...
3 days where nothing feels different except for
the fact that I confuse my rights and lefts
I drive on the wrong side of the road
that while I can accept that it is winter
and that maybe I brought with me the Vancouver rain
the weather here is crazily schizophrenic
I'm happy for my gumboots
Happy Jacks is really just Burger King incarnated
and a decent coffee is impossible to come by
and bananas cost $8 per pound
the river has whitecaps and the ocean is primal
I can't wait to experience it all
I have an Australian license
will own a car here on monday
I have a bank account
and new mobile number
and am searching for just the perfect place to live
I'm excited for all that is to come
while still missing the people I love the most
and I have yet to see a kangaroo...
or a koala...
or any creepy crawlies...
I'm exhausted from the jet lag
which is so much harder to overcome
when they days are 3 hours shorter
summer is now winter
though my flip flops still adorn my feet
the changes are tiring and
I wonder why I was exhausted with the old
deep down I know great adventures await
and true friends will always be there
true friendships will continue to grow older
as we all grow old
new friends will come
and life will move on but
will never replace the old
the memories I will always carry in my heart
the people I will continue to carry in my heart.
a few highlights so far...
avocados are actually ripe in the grocery store
I have yet to learn what an Americano is called here
rental applications are worse than a highschool exam
I can drive on the left
but still haven't figured out how to walk down the sidewalk
australian phone numbers are confusing
and time zones are worse
but I'm here...
I'm strong
and I'm going to own this country soon...
miss you all
come visit!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)