Chinese Food (May 27)

I finally gave into purchasing Chinese to go food at the shopping centre. This weekend seems to be full of giving in . . . whoops. Anyways I would pass Chinese food every time I went to go to Woolworth's to get my groceries and would always want to try it but it is so expensive. If you go just after 5pm when majority of the mall is closing you can get the Chinese food for cheap because they are just trying to get rid of all their food. I finally gave in and got one. It was pretty good but definitely not what we have back in the states. There basically is no such thing as Chinese take out here (well at least like the Chinese take out that we have at home). It is all 'real' Chinese food here. Although it was pretty good I don't think I would pay full price any of the meals.

Mowing the Lawn (May 26)

The past few weeks I have noticed a random but strange thing. When I walk to campus I have to walk through a grass field if I want to take the short cut. I have walked through it several times and every once in a while there will just be cut grass everywhere. At first this was strange but then I just got used to it. Finally this past week I saw the gardeners mowing the lawn with their big machines and noticed that they do not have a catcher for all of the cut grass! They just mow the lawn and let all the cut grass blow all over the lawn. I found this very strange and unusual but maybe it's just an Australian thing. Seems to me like they are being pretty lazy, but hey maybe its better for the grass.

Shopping! (May 25)

I finally gave in . . . the entire time I have been here I have refused to buy clothes or go shopping but the day has finally come that I gave in, but of course they were very good purchases. With the weather getting cold and it being the end of the trip I don't have many warm clothes and have worn all my clothes so much that I felt it was okay to get a few new things. Natasha, Rachel, and I went to the shopping centre and got things at Cotton On (my new favorite store) and Glassons. I got two new tops, an infinite scarf, and much needed new glasses. We also went to Freelance Shoes and I got a pair of really cute black heal boots. All of my purchases were very good deals and I was very happy with everything I got. Having this shopping spree just made me want to get more things but I am using my self control and not going crazy buying more things : )

Ubar (May 24)

It was a wet rainy day and I had an essay due earlier in the day. We were all quite bored and with the weather there wasn't much to do so Tash, Tim, Tyler, and I decided to head to the bar on campus, Ubar, for a couple of drinks. On our way we ran into a lot of people from the Parklands walking back from classes. We just told them to turn around and come join us at Ubar. There ended up being a big group of us and they had a trivia game going on that we participated in. For a rainy day it turned into a spontaneous fun afternoon with friends.

Tim and Michael

Ben, Stian, Jeremy, Dean

Michael, Tyler, Me, Rachel

Tyler, Michael, Stian, Rachel, Ben, Tim, Jeremy, Dean, Me, Natasha, Lewis

BBQ with Amanda and Elina (May 23)

Our final and last time of seeing Amanda and Elina was tonight. They came down for a BBQ at Natasha's place before they left for Melbourne and then back to Sweden. It was so fun to have them over at our place so they could see where we live and meet some of our friends. It was a bitter sweet night. This is the last time we were going to see them until Tash and I make our trip to Sweden. (we both really want to do a Scandinavian trip because of how many people we know over there now). We don't know when we will see them next but it was fun to have them over cook food and enjoy each others company.

Amanda, Me, Tash, Elina

Crepes! (May 22)

Tonight Suzy made her homemade French crepe recipe (with a secret ingredient of beer). She made a ton of crepes and we had them for dinner and then desert. They were delicious. She had a few of her friends over to enjoy the crepes with us. I made a mexican one with mince meat, corn, beans, zucchini, carrots, onions, and cheese. Suzy also made me a crepe version of a toast hole. It was so good, one of my favorites. For the desert ones we put nutella and different fruits. Even though I had an essay due that Thursday I used this as a 'study break' It was well worth it : )

Letting the batter sit

Chef Suzy!

Yum! I got to be the taste tester : )  

Crepe version of a Toast Hole 

Me and Suzy

Julies rommate, Anaelle, Julie

Amanda and Elina are in Sydney (May 21)

I had a pleasant surprise today and met Amanda and Elina down in the city for lunch. It was so good to see them, going from spending 18 days together everyday all day long to not seeing them was weird, but it was so good to see them again and catch up with them. The weather was gorgeous and we were just enjoying our time soaking up the sun and catching each other up and all that had happened since we last saw each other in New Zealand. I was so happy I got to see them again and meet them down in the city.

Me, Amanda, and Elina at the Opera House Bar

Brunch at Balmoral (May 20)

Today I went down to Balmoral Beach in Mosman for a lovely brunch with Max, Roy, Emma, Simon, Toni, and Stephan. The weather was not ideal, a bit misty and rainy but it was still nice and very relaxing. I loved spending my Sunday afternoon with family and people just enjoying the day and each others company. It was cool too because Max, Toni, and I all knew each other because of my Auntie Jan. We took a picture together and sent it to my aunt thanking her for connecting all of us. It was a great afternoon.

Rainbow after the afternoon rain we had

Loved watching all the sail boats, sailing school was in session

Me, Max, Toni, Stephen 

Bowling and Laser Tag (May 19)

Tonight we decided to go to a bowling place called Strike Bowling Bar in Chatswood. We all made dinner and hung out before we headed into Chatswood. The place we went to was really cool, it was hard to find but once we found it we had a blast. We had 3 different bowling teams and then after bowling we went laser tagging. We were having so much fun that we lost track of time and didn't realize how late it was and missed all of the trains and buses back home. We ended up just taking taxi's home which was fine just a little more expensive then we expected it to be. The night was definitely entertaining and eventful.

Julie, Dean, and Natasha

Rachel, Natasha, Me, Rose, Dean, Breezy, Tyler, Tim

Rachel, Natasha, Me, Rose, Dean

Rachel, Natasha, Me, Rose, Steph

Me, Tyler, Tim

Rachel, Julie, Me, Steph, Breezy

Bowling!

I think I got a strike?

Everyone hanging out

Breezy and I striking poses : ) 

Woohoo!!

I love bowling! haha

Lets just say we didn't exactly follow the rule that night . . . 

Work Work Work (May 18)

Today was a day full of work. I went into Metcash really early to help them 'move offices' They had a reconstruction and a lot of the people had to move around but they did not have to move far. Most people moved one office over or just across the hall but because there was a lot to move and to avoid any legal issues they had to have a moving company come and move them. I had to help pack up their offices by putting everything in their office into boxes, labeling them and then putting them out in the hall way just to have the movers push them across the room. It was quite stupid and a waste of money in my mind but that is what you have to do now a days to avoid legal action being taken up against you for a broken back or lifting something too heavy, etc. After working at Metcash in the morning I met with Corrine the lady I now babysit for to see if she was interested in doing the business side of Juice Plus. The meeting did not go as planned and she was not interested but I think i did a very good job and was very happy that I had the meeting to get me to start talking about the business. After the meeting I went home and did some Juice Plus work as well as some Uni work.

New Dishwasher (May 17)

We finally got a new dishwasher!! After never having a working dishwasher we finally have one! This is such a luxury : ) We don't use it that often though because we are already used to hand washing our dishes and also we don't have that many dishes so if we were to use it we would never have dishes. We just use it if we have people over or if its been a few weeks we will just load up the whole dishwasher (thats how little dishes we have, all of our dishes will fit into one load). Anyways it is so nice to have a working and brand new dishwasher!

BBQ and Hair Cuts (May 16)

Being Wednesday, we of coursed BBQ. This was a special BBQ however because we all got hair cuts!! Sam, one of the Danish guys is a hair dresser back at home so he was nice enough to give all the boys hair cuts and all the girls trims. I got my 'bangs' trimmed. He cut them so they could just grow out into my layers because they are no longer bangs just a big long awkward chunk of hair. It was a fun night of food and hair cuts.

Chris getting his hair cut 

Tash's turn

Gabbi, Me, and Tyler

Magnus, Stian, Rachel, Sam, Michael, Gabbi, Me, Tyler, Tim

Frikadeller, kartofler og sauce (May 15)

Magnus and Sam, two Danish guys, Tyler and Tim met while in Cairns came to stay with them for the week. As a special treat they cooked us a Danish meal, Frikadeller, kartofler og sauce. It was basically pork meatballs (a special recipe), potato wedges, and a pasta salad with pasta lettuce peppers cucumber and carrots, bread, and sauces. It was delicious!

Cooking away

Pasta Salad and bread

Everyone waiting patiently . . . 

Frikadeller

Chores (May 14)

Today was a day of catching up, cleaning the house, getting school work situated, doing Juice Plus and getting my life in order. Nothing exciting or fun but work that must get done. I love not having class on Monday because I can truly use Sunday as a day of rest and know that I have Monday's to do everything.

Mother's Day (May 13)

Happy Mother's Day to the best mom and friend a daughter could ask for. Not only have you have raised four kids, but you have also been an amazing mother that is so inspiring, loving, caring, kind, fabulous, joyful, supportive and so much more. I love you so much ♥ wish I was home to help celebrate. 
I don't know what I would do if skype did not exist and I was not able to talk to and see my mom as much as I am able to while I am abroad. I love being able to whatsapp her or skype her when I want. She is always there for me and always knows what to say or how to handle every situation so perfectly. I am so lucky not only to have her as a mom but as my business partner supporting me and helping me grow my international business here in Australia. I can not wait to have you join me out here in Australia for a month. The memories we will make travel together is going to be unbelievable. I love you so much! Happy Mother's Day Mom! You deserve the best, hope you like your presents : ) Lots of love <3 

Roy Bendall's Mosman Mayor Launch Party (May 12)

This morning I went to my first babysitting job. I babysat this adorable 10 month old little boy, Cayden, who fell in love with me. The parents said he had never reacted like that to someone so that was nice to hear. He was a very easy going child and never cried.
Tonight I was privileged enough to be able to help work Roy Bendall's (Maxine's husband) Mayor launch party. This was a very fun event to work and be at. I was in charge of the staff and making sure everyone was doing their job as well as running one of the bars. The event was held on the top level of their house in the penthouse. The home is gorgeous and right on the beach. The whole front of the house is glass so it is a gorgeous view of the Balmoral Beach in Mosman. There were two main bars and two kitchen staff to deal with the food. There were two boys and two girls who came to help with the bar and serving food. They were all very nice and helpful. It was a very long day but very entertaining as well. I was there from 4-11pm. There were probably about 100 people there many of which had a lot of money. The main purpose of the night was to raise money. The election is not till September but you have to start this early to get your name out and get people to know why you are running. Roy has an effective team who is on top of the technology and knows how to get his name out there and be recognized. I unfortunately don't have any photos but it was a beautiful event. Towards the end I did have a few drunk men try and hit on me which was interesting to handle and I also got to see some things you think only happens in movies. I am so happy I was able to help Max and Roy out and the night seemed to be a great success. I also had a driver drive me home which was soooo nice because taking public transport is not fun especially that late at night.

St. Anthony's Women Get Together (May 11)

Tonight there was a get together at St. Anthony's school hall for a fundraiser for breast cancer. The event was called Fun, Friends, Finger Foods, and Photos. It was a night to get to know the ladies of the parish, eat some food, and see a picture presentation of photos and stories from the Holy Land, experienced on pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2011 with Cathy and her daughter Katy. This was a lovely event because I got to know a lot of very nice wonderful women. One of them, Aileen, reminded me of grandma. It was very funny because we were sitting watching the presentation when I noticed her. Her mannerisms reminded me of grandma and I thought that to myself. After the presentation was over they served desert and I was waiting in line when someone came over and tapped my bum. It was Aileen! It was something my grandma would have done. Anyways we got to talking and she wants to have me over for lunch or dinner. I also met another nice mom who is in charge of the Mother's and Kids play group and she was nice enough to give me a ride home.

Last GLP Meeting (May 10)

I finished my last GLP session for the semester. The session was called 'Me Inc' Branding yourself. It was actually a very good session which I enjoyed and felt was very beneficial. We had to learn our strengths and weaknesses and what we wanted people to see us as. We ourselves are a brand and we can choose what people see and perceive our brand to be.

Spin Class (May 9)

Today I took my first class at the gym since I have been back from New Zealand. I took a spin class thinking that it would be pretty easy and a decent workout. Well lets just say I got an amazing workout that kicked my butt. It was very challenging and I had to stop a few times, I really enjoyed it but I'm not sure when I will be back to the class again. Hopefully I'll be able to walk tomorrow : )

Global Leadership Distinguished Speakers Event (May 8)

As part of the Global Leadership Program I am doing while at Macquarie Uni we have to attend the Distinguished Speakers Event. The event was downtown near Town Hall at the Hilton. We got there an hour before for networking and appetizers. It was so fun to go into the city during the week to a nice hotel  and attend an event like this. Natasha, Suzy, and I went together and ended up seeing a lot of people from the Parklands. 

The distinguished speaker was Michael Kirby. When he retired from the High Court of Australia on 2 February 2009, Michael Kirby was Australia’s longest serving judge. Previously Michael Kirby served as a judge of the Federal Court of Australia, President of the New South Wales Court of Appeal and, concurrently, the Court of Appeal of Solomon Islands.  His appointment to the High Court came in 1996 and he served thirteen years. In addition to his judicial duties, Michael Kirby has served as a member of the World Health Organisation’s Global Commission on AIDS (1988-92); as UN Special Representative Human Rights in Cambodia (1993-6); a member of the UNESCO International Bioethics Committee (1995-2005); a member of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Judicial Reference Group (2007-) and a member of the UNAIDS Reference Group on HIV and Human Rights (2004-). In 2010, Michael Kirby was awarded the Gruber Justice Prize.  He is presently serving on the UNDP Global Commission of HIV and the Law as well as the Arbitration Panel of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (World Bank).

The event was interesting especially because he was a gay Christian who was very proud of that. It was also very cool to see all of the people who attended and be in the city for the event. After his speech/talk there was a question answer period (there were some really random as well as interesting questions brought up) and then we headed home. We were vey lucky to have caught the last train or we would have had to take the buses which would take twice as long. 

Me and Natasha

Suzy and Natasha

The boys: Alex, a guy, Johan, Dominik, and Franz

The girls: Natasha, Me, Rachel, Molly

Me, Natasha, and Suzy

Michael Kirby