2 weeks left

Ok so seriously ...where has the time gone? I can remember like it was just yesterday arriving dazed and confused at the Brisbane airport being bewildered by the phrase "how ya going?" and Burger King being weirdly renamed Hungry Jacks. Then, I blinked my eyes and 6 whole months went by! I cannot believe my time here has almost run out its crazy there's still so much to see and do! Thankfully I have one trip left up to tropical Cairns next week where Ali and I are going to find Nemo in the Great Barrier Reef! Hopefully we'll get there before BP's glorious oil makes it all the way to Australia's East Coast!

In the past month we've continued to go to birthdays EVERY weekend so Happy Birthday Rhys, James, Kiriana, Emma, Mitch, Harry, Kerrie, and Dane! Whew. I think I won't need anymore birthday cake for a loooong time. But then again maybe not.

The State of Origin has been on this month which is basically comparable to the superbowl of footy(rugby) between Queensland(Maroons) and New South Wales(Blues). Queensland has won 5 years in a row now! Duhwhatelsewouldtheybedoing??? I also just went to my first NRL game sunday in Brissie to watch the Bronco's dominate the South Sydney RabbitOhs 50-22. It may be Russel Crowe's team, but they can't beat shear power! (sorry Elliot!)

I have officially finished my semester as of yesterday wahoo! Too bad I had to take my last final riddled with sickness. Somehow I managed to get a fever over 40 degrees C (thats about 105 degrees F) and severe strep throat! Don't worry your pretty little heads though because like the wise words of Beyonce, Ima Survivor!

My Observations:

1. New Vocab: cruisy= laid back/easy, tea= dinner, keen= really like something EX: Im keen to go to the movies, revision= studying, shout= turn to buy something EX: It's his shout for drinks!, invigilator= test proctor, togs= bathing suit (everyone here laughs hysterically when I say bathing suit), rug up= put on lots of clothes because its cold!, journo= journalist, dear= expensive, chewie= gum, tomorrow= tomoz

2. Aussies do not enjoy katchups companion... mustard! You can't even order it at subway! And if it is offered its usually seeded mustard. Don't even bother asking for honey mustard.

3. Music is better better here. Hands down... Miley Who?

4. NRL players are MUY CALIENTE!

5. There are round-a-bouts on the roads everywhere.

6. Most Australians have no idea where Florida is located in the US. I got asked, "Oh thats close to New York right?!" or "California and Florida are on the same coast right?"... but lets be honest how many of you back home know Australian geography.

FYI there are 7 states that include: Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Victoria, and finally Tasmania.

That's all my cooked brain can handle at the moment!

Til next time,

Your favorite Australian Survivor,

E

xx

7 Weeks Left

Happy Summer/Winter!

Despite thinking that winter would never come, it has arrived! Queensland is very similar to Florida winter's which makes sense seeing how they are both known as "The Sunshine State." For all the layers I am putting on, I'm sure those in Florida will be taking off... good thing this is home base for Ugg boots!
In addition to it being graduation and (engagement) season, over here it is also birthday season. Ali and I have had our calendars booked solid every Satday night for 2 months! Ali's 21st birthday was last weekend which was at the highest building on the coast; the Q1. It was classy and fabulous; fitting Ali's personality perfectly. I wanted to make her a 21 sign but since that tradition is unknown here, I'll save it for the next time she visits the US. Happy Birthday Alexander Murtha!
This weekend we have a Very Happy Unbirthday (Alice in Wonderland themed) to go to ...Ali and I are going as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum... obvi.
I am able to check one more thing off my list of things to do in Oz and that is going to the races. Jess and I went to the Prime Minister's Cup one of the most elite horse races in Australia. All the men wear suits (helllllllllllo young professionals) and all of the women dress in their highest fashions where a head piece is ESSENTIAL. I wore a large "fascinator" which was like a headband with a black and white ribbon explosion on top. I was seriously concerned about various birds trying to nest on my head but quickly realized that mine was quite minute compared to others at the races. The bigger the hat or fascinator, the more fabulous you are! Jess and I placed only one bet (Im so poor) and we both unfortunately lost. But don't worry, we won in the end by meeting 2 aussie hotties that made us completely forget about our gambling misfortune! sSsSSsoo00000 dReAmY
As if I hadn't been looking for a job since I got here, I unexpectedly landed an interview with a marketing company. After the first interview, I got asked back for a second and was offered the job! But with my visa expiring the end of July, it's just not going to work out. However, they said that they thought I was great and that they'd be happy to have me any time! $$$$$$
OF COURSE this would happen with only 6 weeks left. Boys. Jobs. Bad Timing. However I wouldn't be opposed to any sort of donations to the Elisa fund to keep me here till my visa runs out. :D

My Observations:
1. New Vocab: hoo roo= goodbye, pokies= slot machines, reckon= think/bet EX: i reckon it'll be busy today, pozzy= position EX: good pozzy at the concert, far out= unbelievable/no way, Pommie= someone from England, rock up= arrive somewhere, shit house (adj.)= bad quality EX: that movie was shit house, skull/skol (v.) = chug, gutted/cut= disappointed/that sucks
2. Instead of doing birthday signs, aussies do speeches in front of the whole party for the 21st birthday tradition.
3. Alot of aussie men shave their legs... Dislike. Reason unknown.
4. There are no cheesewagons here to ride to school. All of the school buses are like Lynx buses. So regal!
5. Not having to tip or worry about added tax is Wonderful with a capital W.
6. There are heaps of bats that come out at night.
7. The playoffs are not being broadcast here for some reason! DOUBLE DISLIKE!
GO MAGIC LOCK IT UP AND WIN!

That's all for now!
Until Next Time...

Your Favorite Aussie Groupie,
E
xx

Half Way

Grab that net and catch that beautiful butterfly pals...Its Graduation Season!! Get your caps and gowns ready for the oh so monumental day you've all worked/slaved/studied (definitely not partied) so hard to get to... College Graduation. While it is only just passed half way through Semester 1 in Australia, Spring Semester has come to an end and all of the seniors have to put on their grown up pants and step into the real world. The real world or ...the Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Pittsberg Stealers, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears etc...Congratulations class of 2010, you've survived and everyone is so proud of you. If you're not going to the NFL, good luck job hunting... don't worry I hear moving back in with your parents is SO IN!

In other news, the month of April has been particularly excited especially with my trip to SYDNEY! (See previous wall post for a really ~*kEwL*~ collage of the trip) It's smaller than I originally thought and we were even able to walk every where except the famous Bondi Beach (train). Although Mary Kate and Ashley opened our eyes to the landmarks of Oz in the classic movie Our Lips Are Sealed, The Opera House and Harbour Bridge are more amazing than I thought! No, I didnt climb the bridge (it's like $250; come on who can afford that these days) but I did walk across which is like the same thing. Darling Harbor (Nemo's home) was a great place for food and nightlife! If you're on the hunt for young professionals, this is the place to be girls. We rounded out our trip with the markets on The Rocks; the oldest part of Sydney. We found some great treasures and trinkets that are one of a kind! ...Next stop CAIRNS!

Back home, some adventures include hiking Mt. Warning which is the first area to see the sun everyday in Australia. If you start at 3 am you get to the top to see a beautiful sunrise. Obviously the beach is a regular destination especially because it's just now starting to get cold (aka 70 degrees) Our touch team wonderfully named The Lone Wolfpack, has managed to only win one game so far this season, but I have been improving steadily and even managed to score a try! I like to think I'm the secret weapon.

New Observations:
1. New Vocab: ambo= ambulance, bikkie= biscuit/cookie, Cab Sav= Cabernet Sauvignon, chuck a sickie= call in sick to work, Coathanger= Sydney Harbour Bridge, deadset= true, docket= receipt, serviette= napkin, pash=make out, on the dole= on welfare, grundies= granny undies/panties, nipper=young surf lifesaver, suss= suspicious, unco= uncoordinated/clumsy
2. the infamous toilet question. DOES IT SWIRL THE OTHER DIRECTION??? ... the answer is no. Toilets here have two flushers a half flush and a whole flush for number 1 and number 2 respectively. Regardless of the number of flushers, it doesn't really swirl at all.
3. Bagels are non existent. Not sure if it's the lack of Jewish population or general dislike but I have met someone who has never had a bagel. After living on DG bagels last semester, this seems preposterous!
4. Solstice flavor 5 gum is the only flavor of the 5 brand that is not sold here. Of course it would be my favorite.

Happy Birthday MOM!!

Until Next Time ...
Youre favorite Australian adventurer,
E
xx

Sydney

S
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6 weeks

Happy Spring Break Everyone!

Seeing as how just about everyone went on spring break to Key West this year, I hope KWSB2K10 was insane, full of successfully completed physical challenges, and awkward run-ins with people you had hoped to avoid. And by the looks of things on fb... all were achieved!

In Aussie news, lots has been going on as usual. Can anyone believe it's the middle of March already?! Where is the time going? Ali and I just booked a trip to Sydney for the first week in April. Can't wait! The weather has been unusual lately, we were nearly washed away by a tsunami resulting from the Earthquake in Chile ... but thankfully, it never came. However, it has been raining heaps here and there has been bad flooding in certain areas. The rain is majorly infringing on my golden tan so it better stop soon before I turn into Snow White. For all the skin cancer conscious out there, don't fret... I wear sunscreen! "There's nothing healthy about a tan!"- Thanks Queensland Government.

Uni has been going alright, but after a 2 month break and being so close to the beach I have found it REALLY hard to get back into school mode. I'm pushing through it and I'm sure I'll manage with all of the nice blokes in my classes ;). In sports news, our touch team has been up against some tough teams and suffered defeat the past two games. Have no fear though, we're making moves to improve our rugby technique. Personally, I plan on scoring one try every game from now on! Watch out NRL!

Lady GaGa countdown... 15 days!

New Observations:
1. New Vocab: umbrella= brolley, sketchy= seedy/dodgy/daro, prezzy= present, esky= cooler, mozzie= mosquito, chokkie= chocolate, good on you(pron: good onya) = good for you/well done, whinge= whine/complain, rent a movie= hire a movie, rubbish= trash, yall= youse
2. Everyone drives really small cars here, no lifted F150's in sight!
3. Walmart isn't taking over the entire world, because here in Australia K-mart is the superstore of choice. However, there is a Cosco that just opened in Victoria.
4. No one knows Jimmy Buffet here! A whole new group of ParrotHeads is about to emerge!
5. In addition to adding the word 'hey' or 'as' on the end of some phrases, some Queenslanders also use the word, 'but'. Ex: "It'll be crowded but." or "That's funny but." This 'but' usage is beyond my understanding so don't ask me why.

*Previous post about riding the "fairy" was meant to say "ferry." No there aren't mythical creatures for transport purposes here. Although sometimes when desperate times call for desperate measures, we do indeed ride kangaroos to uni. Just gotta show em who's boss.

That's all for now!
Until next time,
Your favorite NRL rookie,
E
xx

One Month

Goodday mates! My schedule has been full on since my last post. I can't believe that it has seriously been a month since I've been here. Time is going by WAY to fast. Last Friday, Ali, her friend from uni Stacey and I went for a day trip to North Stradbroke Island (Straddie). You can only get to it by fairy and it is absolutely breathtaking. I felt like I could have been straight out of a travel magazine with the cliff top views and perfect surf. One of my favorite places so far!
Not to be totally overshadowed was our next event... Good Vibrations music festival. With big names like The Killers, Kid Cudi, Art vs. Science, Gossip, Basement Jaxx and Armand Van Helden. But wait that's not all ... since the Aussie's have such an affinity for techno/electronic/dance music, obviously Good Vibes couldn't go without vintage techno performances by Salt n Pepa, Naughty by Nature, and Busta Rhymes. I <3> the 90's! I added the link so yall can see more about the set list and listen to some new jams!
http://www.gvf.com.au/Goldcoast/Schedule/
Monday was my first day at uni... boooo. Do I really have to go to school? It's really not that bad I just hate when everyone turns and looks when they hear me talk in class. Oddly enough, it's more common to hear a German, Asian, or British accent than an American one. Like totally omg like no way!
Don't worry too much about me being an outcast though, because Ive made plenty of friends at the Australia zoo! The koala's just couldn't get enough of snuggling in my arms and the roo's flock to me and it wasn't just because I had heaps of food for them. :) The Australia Zoo is where Steve Irwin's massive Crocodile Hunter legacy began just 2 decades ago. It was sad really, thinking that Steve was no longer there to wrestle feisty croc's and come dangerously close to losing limbs... but his spirit lives on with Terri, Bindi and Bob who's faces are posted EVERYWHERE throughout the park along withe Steve's. The zoo was amazing though and along with the koala's and roo's I got to see dingo's, wallaby's, echidna's, croc's, and a Tasmanian devil (which are almost extinct). Animals Rule!

New Observations:
1. New Vocab: water fountain= bubbler, braid= plat, weed-wacker= whipper snipper, cookies= biscuits, tylenol= panadol, corndog= dagwood dog, long board= malibu, afternoon = arvo/avo, bangs= fringe, shopping cart=trolley, saturday= satday, while = whilst.
2. Girls here ride for hair extensions. Dislike.
3. For some reason bogan's (refer to previous vocab) think rat tails are fashionable. DoubleDislike.
4. It's illegal to talk on the cell phone whilst driving.
5. It's a $7 footlong at Subway, not $5.
6. Despite the fitting name, I have not yet spotted a Kangaroo petrol station. So there's Kangaroo's in Gainesville, but not in Australia. Weird. Who's the idiot that didn't think that one through?

Until next time,
Your apprentice Croc Hunter,
E
xx (everyone ends their messages here with that)

Week 3

Happy Belated Singles Awareness day! (Go see Valentines Day, it's actually really cute and not too corny)
After a brief hiatus, I'm back to dish my Australian adventures once again. Similar to the US, the Gold Coast has had frequent storms just without the snow. In fact, this is the most rain the Gold Coast has had in 100 years! Rain, rain GO AWAY! I guess it's better than drought and the rain actually cools the weather down a little bit. I can't believe that I've almost been here a month already! Uni starts next week and to be honest, I'm a little nervous. Not just because I'm the Exchange student, but because it's going to be so different from UF Warrington College of Business aka University of TutoringZone/Smokinotes. How will I ever survive without TZ?! I also almost had a heart attack when looking through my syllabi I see that every class has at least one 1000 word paper due. Warrington students just don't write papers. We just take tests. 4 tests and thats it. And if there is a paper, we get Kelberman to help. So this semester should be interesting without my usual resources. Maybe writing my blog will make me a better writer for these papers. Can't wait.
Ali and I joined a touch rugby team, and it's way harder than it looks. Of course I was confused at first thinking you throw the ball forward for a first down to eventually get a touchdown. But in rugby, you have 6 possessions, throw backwards to get a try. We won our first game and our future seems promising despite my gridiron background.
Yesterday was my exchange/international student orientation. It was mostly really boring and informational but I did meet some new people. 4 guys, one from LA, one from Sweden, one from Germany and one from Ireland. And tonight we have a River Boat Cruise on the Brissy River so hopefully I'll meet some new international mates. I promise I won't keep you anxiously awaiting for my next post.

New Observations.
Vocab: highway=motorway, stroller=pram, Sprite=lemonade, lemonade= lemon squash, parking lot=cark park, truck=yute(utility), turn signal=indicator, really drunk=maggered, tired=buggered, British=Pomy, shrimp=prawns, rugby=footy, American football=gridiron
2. How are doing? = How ya going?
3. It'll be ok= She'll be right
4. You can fill up your gas tank at the petrol station before you pay. SO much trust!
5. Rugby and Cricket are HUGE here.

PS. Shoutout to Ani, Brooke, Ariana, and Jackie. You da you da best no matter what.

Until next time,
Your favorite Roo,
E

Week One Complete

Has it really only been a week? I feel like Ive been here for months already and Ali says I still have hardly seen the Gold Coast! Basically, Ali and I live in Helensvale "the Bush" and Jess who lives in Burleigh Heads (Burleigh) lives on the beach. All of this being just south of Brisbane. Surfers Paradise (Surfers) is bit toursity but has heaps* of cool cafes and is the home of the largest hotel on the coast, Q1. Ali took me from the first beach on the Goldy, Main Beach and then we went South and visited Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh, Nobby beach, the Aussie Miami beach, Currumbin, and finally Coolangatta. And despite the overcast weather, I STILL managed to get burnt. Go me.
In other news, the Australian Open has finally found its 2010 champions; Congrats to Serena Williams and Roger Federer. (Can anyone beat him?) Can't wait for the next sporting events to begin... the Winter Olympics!

My Observations:

New Vocab: Fort Night= Two Weeks, lolly= candy, romper= jumpsuit, flippy floppies= thongs, katsup = tomato sauce, The letter Z= Zed, A guys girlfriend = Mrs., gas station = pertol station
2. Everything here is accompanied by Sweet Chilli Sauce ( next best thing to Hot Sauce)
3. The internet is capped therefore at the end of the month it is extremely slow...but it's Feb 1st. YES.
4. Everyone hang dries their laundry; driers are last resort.
5. Everyone uses Spray deodorant.
6. Because everything is so expensive here, the dollar menu at Mackas isnt a dollar menu, it's the Value Picks menu where everything is like $3 and under.
7. Alot of sentences are followed by hey or as. Example: "I probably shouldnt wear pants in this heat hey?" or "That person is white as!" (Implying their lack of tan)

Last but certainly not least, LADY GAGA is coming to Brissy March 26th! Round 2 here I come.

Til next time,
Love your favorite Sheila,
E

Finally arrived!

After hoppin off the plane at LAX with my jeans and my cardigan, my 14 hour flight to Sydney was a bit longer than anticipated. American Airlines was real smart playing all the movies while everyone was sleeping. The weirdest part about the whole thing... never being present on January 23, 2010. I entirely skipped that whole day. Going through customs was a breeze and my flight to Brizzy was short and sweet; just an hour long. I walked out to Ali and Jess waiting in the terminal... FINALLY REUNITED again!
Day 1. First stop, Yatala for a good ol traditional meat pie with some hot ranga sauce. Delish. After getting settled in at Ali's, we went out to Brizzy to a bar called Normanby with a bunch of her friends.
Day 2. Relax all day in the pool and purchase myself a cell phone wahoo! Thanks Optus Prepaid. Then, out to Coolangatta (Cooly) to Neverland with Jess. Very successful night. The weirdest part is looking out Jess' balcony and seeing mountains to the left and endless beach to my right.
Day 3. AUSTRALIA DAY!!!!!! Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oy Oy OY! Caught a glimpse of the Hurley Burleigh Surf Competition then went to BBQ at Ryans where everyone makes fun of my "accent".
Day 4. Layed out by the pool in the 95 degree weather and got burnt to a crisp and I was only out there for an HOUR! In desperate need of an aloe bath.

My Observations:
1. New Vocab! Everything is shortened. Brisbane= Brizzy, Coolangatta= Cooly, Thank you= Ta, Air Conditioning = Air Con, College= Uni, McDonalds= Mackas, Sunglasses= Sunnys, Bathing Suit= Togs, Board Shorts= Boardies, Trashy= Bogan, Tank Top= Singlet ( more to come as a learn it all)
2. Hungry Jacks = Burger King
3. Everyone asks me to "say something" and when I say "yall" everyone stops and stares.
4. Everything is really expensive! A tube of mascara at Kmart is $18.50 Australian Dollars. Two mixed drinks at the bar is about the same as mascara. CrAZy.
5. Australians dress extremely trendy. So I'm doing more shopping today to fit the criteria.

Until next time...
Love,
Your favorite Sheila
E

Packing for 6 months = Death.

Just a little over 24 hours before I leave and I don't think it's hit me yet.
Today's To-Do List:

1. Clean out car. (Finding lots of old treasures.)
2. Forward my mailing address.
3. PACK
4. Go to target for the essentials.
5. Get a converter cord for my electronics.
6. Pio Pio for my last supper. Sangria Pitchers yes.

I'm so excited to get there... but the traveling part; not so much.
Orlando (5pm Jan 22nd) --> LA (celebrity hunt on my 3 hour layover)
LA --> Sydney
Sydney --> Brisbane (10:35 am Jan 24th)

I arrive just in time for Australia Day January 26th! Can't wait mates!

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