Wow, last night was insane. Adrienne's birthday celebration turned into a shit show. Pre-gamed with everyone in C 1st (different block in Evatt) then took the train to town. SO drunk... The thing with Goon is that it hits you all of the sudden. I thought I wasn't drunk and then I go to get on the train and its just like ohhh my god... Customs house opened the upstairs dance area which was awesome. So much dancing, we were there forever but it is all just a blur that seems like 20 minutes to me. WORST headache this morning and 30 dollars later...
Tonight is the room crawl, and I am going to try really hard to take it easy seeing as tomorrow Josh and I are getting up super early to go to Sydney! We catch a 7:15 train, getting up is not going to be fun. ugh. But I am so excited to go back to Sydney because I loved it there last time. We are staying in a hostel in the heart of the city so hopefully it will be good. We want to try to go to Bondi beach which is a pretty famous and it's about 20 minutes outside of the city. (OMG Colleen, they have this show here called Bondi Rescue, it is basically a reality TV show of lifeguards at Bondi. Lots of people drowning, almost drowning, sharks, falls onto sharp rocks, fights, drunks... it is SOOO addictive, you would love it.)
I think it is supposed to be a pretty beautiful weekend. Maybe I will actually go in the water... ...maybe.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sun, beach, and my white skirt.
Another awesome day at the beach yesterday-just reading and writing at the jetty again with Josh. It was so warm, we definitely got some sun, but it was so worth it. Of course, the one day it was swimming weather I didn’t have my bathing suite with me and I was too chicken to risk going just in my undies. Darn. More big waves but it wasn’t high tide so they weren’t quite as impressive as last time. It is pretty crazy though, you don’t realize how big they really are until you see someone surfing of body boarding—and they look so tiny!
Then I was really bad—we walked around Newcastle a bit and went into some shops. Josh then convinced me that I needed to broaden my fashion horizon and buy something really different than I usually wear. So… I bought this really nice long white skirt with wooden buttons down the front and a really cute cropped jean jacket and spent WAY too much money. It’s all Josh’s fault I swear. Hehehe. I really love the skirt though, it is old fashion and I love that style but have always felt like I look like a weirdo in stuff like that. But the fashion here is much more eclectic than at home. People take way more risks with what they wear—sometimes they look retarted sometimes they look amazing… hopefully I look amazing… lol. People wear leggings ALL the time... everywhere... probably more than jeans, which I don't really get into. They also LOVE their scarfs here. People wear them all the time even when its not cold at all... so I figure I HAVE to find a really cute scarf to go with my little outfit. ;)
I am SO happy that this is my last week going into my internship for two days! THANK GOD. Josh thinks I am just a whiner and maybe that is true but I cannot stand it here. Apparently I might be helping Mike (another american intern) do some of his marketing project (which basically consists of going around to shopping centers to have people complete surveys). So... basically I may not have to even come in here much more which would be awesome. I can't wait for 4 day weekends!
A lot to look forward to this weekend. Going out to the bar tonight with-our friend Adrienne is turning 21! Yay! Then Thursday night there is a room crawl at josh’s block (basically like a pub crawl but just going from room to room with a different theme/drink in each room). Then on Friday is a “mock marriage” of two people on campus (just another chance to get all dressed up and party).
We may not end up going to Fridays ‘wedding’ event. May go into Sydney or Port Stephens instead so we have a full weekend at either place. It is so fun being here because I just want to do as much as possible, and while I am watching my money I am also just not worried because I know it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is a pretty cool feeling to have so much to do and to not feel too guilty for spending a lot of money! (although when I get home I may not be saying this!) I just don’t want to regret anything or wish I had done something, or been worried about money the whole time.
So far so good.
Especially with my white skirt. :)
Then I was really bad—we walked around Newcastle a bit and went into some shops. Josh then convinced me that I needed to broaden my fashion horizon and buy something really different than I usually wear. So… I bought this really nice long white skirt with wooden buttons down the front and a really cute cropped jean jacket and spent WAY too much money. It’s all Josh’s fault I swear. Hehehe. I really love the skirt though, it is old fashion and I love that style but have always felt like I look like a weirdo in stuff like that. But the fashion here is much more eclectic than at home. People take way more risks with what they wear—sometimes they look retarted sometimes they look amazing… hopefully I look amazing… lol. People wear leggings ALL the time... everywhere... probably more than jeans, which I don't really get into. They also LOVE their scarfs here. People wear them all the time even when its not cold at all... so I figure I HAVE to find a really cute scarf to go with my little outfit. ;)
I am SO happy that this is my last week going into my internship for two days! THANK GOD. Josh thinks I am just a whiner and maybe that is true but I cannot stand it here. Apparently I might be helping Mike (another american intern) do some of his marketing project (which basically consists of going around to shopping centers to have people complete surveys). So... basically I may not have to even come in here much more which would be awesome. I can't wait for 4 day weekends!
A lot to look forward to this weekend. Going out to the bar tonight with-our friend Adrienne is turning 21! Yay! Then Thursday night there is a room crawl at josh’s block (basically like a pub crawl but just going from room to room with a different theme/drink in each room). Then on Friday is a “mock marriage” of two people on campus (just another chance to get all dressed up and party).
We may not end up going to Fridays ‘wedding’ event. May go into Sydney or Port Stephens instead so we have a full weekend at either place. It is so fun being here because I just want to do as much as possible, and while I am watching my money I am also just not worried because I know it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is a pretty cool feeling to have so much to do and to not feel too guilty for spending a lot of money! (although when I get home I may not be saying this!) I just don’t want to regret anything or wish I had done something, or been worried about money the whole time.
So far so good.
Especially with my white skirt. :)
Sunday, August 24, 2008
all i need
Great day at the beach today. Most of Evatt house was going on a wine tour but since we had already done one (and the fact that it was 30 bucks) Josh and I decided to just go into Newcastle for the day.
So Josh and I walked along the beach then down the jetty. The waves were huge-smashing into all of the rocks, spraying us. We were just laying on the rocks watching the water and talking about jenny, watching some crazy people try to surf and body board in the huge waves, and taking pictures. I think tuesday we will go back and try to do some music/writing out there since we don't have class until 5pm.
We ate at Customs house-we were starving and the food was sooo good, and it was great sitting outside-pretty warm with not a cloud in the sky, just us. I love days like that, I wish everyday could be that relaxing and peaceful... it is all i need...
Friday, August 22, 2008
PR = death
Man oh man.
quick post just because today SUCKED. Worked on a public relations assignment (btw Farida, PR is NOT what you think... get out now!) for about 10 hours. I can't even think! What a horrible past few days, between my two days of HELL internship and full day of homework. At least it is the weekend, but it is not even supposed to be nice--cold and rainy! sigh.
Hope everyone is glad to be going back to school... I am looking forward to the mid-semester break which is about a month away! Going to New Zealand! but more about that some other time...
quick post just because today SUCKED. Worked on a public relations assignment (btw Farida, PR is NOT what you think... get out now!) for about 10 hours. I can't even think! What a horrible past few days, between my two days of HELL internship and full day of homework. At least it is the weekend, but it is not even supposed to be nice--cold and rainy! sigh.
Hope everyone is glad to be going back to school... I am looking forward to the mid-semester break which is about a month away! Going to New Zealand! but more about that some other time...
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Yes, of course I am writing grants...
Sigh... at the internship again. I have no idea what I am supposed to be doing because nobody gives me any direction! So I basically sit here trying to be productive but I really have no idea what I am doing or even what I am supposed to be doing. Sucks.
I am starting to get a little sad that everyone is going back to Uconn... I miss everyone so much! And I miss Uconn. I like school here but it just isn't the same... Uconn has a certain vibe that you just can't replace. Hope everyone is having a good time getting their apartments and rooms all situated and set up! I can't wait to come see where everyone is living once I come back in November. We are all going to be spread out but at least we will have lots of different places to party!
My roommate Conal's 21st birthday was yesterday (turning 21 is actually a big deal here even though the drinking age is 18) so we had a giant wine and cheese extravaganza which basically trashed our block. We try to be all classy and then just end up throwing food and knocking over everything in sight while playing "nipple ball" volleyball. Aussie's love a little food fight.
Oh god...It is not even 12 o'clock yet which means I have more than 5 hours left here. I have no idea what I am going to do for 5 HOURS. Knit a sweater maybe.
The beach was great yesterday, warm day in the high 60's/low 70's. I can't wait until it warms up more and then I will be swimming every day. The waves here are pretty big, and I guess there are some pretty bad rips so I'll have to be careful so I don't drown or anything... but a bunch of people have already been in the water-including Josh. I am too much of a wuss apparently.
I will have to get in the water soon though-we are going on a surf weekend September 5th which I am SO excited for. A bunch of our friends went a few weekends ago and had a great time. We are brought to a private beach and get to spend the weekend learning how to surf, hanging out, and getting drunk on the beach with a bonfire and crazy aussie instructors who are partial to being naked apparently. Should be good. ;)
Today is Wednesday-the big drinking night of the week but I don't think I will go out seeing as I spent $45 dollars at the bar last wednesday. I hate how expensive alcohol is here. It is absolutly crazy. When I go home I am going to stock up becuase I will think everything is so cheap! I wish they had dubra here!
sort of...
I am starting to get a little sad that everyone is going back to Uconn... I miss everyone so much! And I miss Uconn. I like school here but it just isn't the same... Uconn has a certain vibe that you just can't replace. Hope everyone is having a good time getting their apartments and rooms all situated and set up! I can't wait to come see where everyone is living once I come back in November. We are all going to be spread out but at least we will have lots of different places to party!
My roommate Conal's 21st birthday was yesterday (turning 21 is actually a big deal here even though the drinking age is 18) so we had a giant wine and cheese extravaganza which basically trashed our block. We try to be all classy and then just end up throwing food and knocking over everything in sight while playing "nipple ball" volleyball. Aussie's love a little food fight.
Oh god...It is not even 12 o'clock yet which means I have more than 5 hours left here. I have no idea what I am going to do for 5 HOURS. Knit a sweater maybe.
The beach was great yesterday, warm day in the high 60's/low 70's. I can't wait until it warms up more and then I will be swimming every day. The waves here are pretty big, and I guess there are some pretty bad rips so I'll have to be careful so I don't drown or anything... but a bunch of people have already been in the water-including Josh. I am too much of a wuss apparently.
I will have to get in the water soon though-we are going on a surf weekend September 5th which I am SO excited for. A bunch of our friends went a few weekends ago and had a great time. We are brought to a private beach and get to spend the weekend learning how to surf, hanging out, and getting drunk on the beach with a bonfire and crazy aussie instructors who are partial to being naked apparently. Should be good. ;)
Today is Wednesday-the big drinking night of the week but I don't think I will go out seeing as I spent $45 dollars at the bar last wednesday. I hate how expensive alcohol is here. It is absolutly crazy. When I go home I am going to stock up becuase I will think everything is so cheap! I wish they had dubra here!
sort of...
Monday, August 18, 2008
How you going?
Went horseback riding at Port Stephens over the weekend with Josh which was incredible! We got to go through all of these awesome trails through the woods, do water crossings etc. We saw a koala in the wild too which apparently is really rare! Absolutely beautiful. I forgot how much I miss riding until I was back on a horse again. Josh had a great time, a little less comfortable than me. He was afraid the whole time he was going to fall off or get thrown. But he handled it like a champ.
Port Stephens is awesome. It is pretty much stereotypical Australia which I actually haven't seen much of yet. White beaches, crystal clear water, tons of stuff to do: touristy-beach life. We are thinking about going back this coming weekend but may hold off as it is supposed to be cloudy, cool and possibly rainy. I really want to go dolphin/whale watching there! Hopefully it will warm up soon and I will have an opportunity to swim with them!
We went out to the bar last wednesday (which is there big drinking day for some reason) and I found myself saying a very aussie phrase without thinking when I was drunk. "How you going" instead of "whats up" or "hows IT going" haha. I was so proud of myself because I did it without even thinking. Other than that, I haven't picked up an accent. I can't even pretend in the slightest... I start sounding Scottish or something.
We are starting to finalize plans for the upcoming mid-semester break. We are going to fly to New Zealand and rent a camper van for about 10 days. It should be amazing, I hear the hiking is awesome and there are a lot of natural hot springs etc.
I am starting to realize how fast this trip is flying by. It is already coming up on the end of August. We are planning on leaving early/mid November. That only gives us about 2 1/2 months! Time is already flying by so I know we are going to be boarding a plane before we know it. It is also really weird to think everyone is starting school soon! Ed, Colleen and Tom are already up at school, and everyone else will be too! Farida, are you so psyched? You are going to be leaving REALLY soon!!!
All in all, still having an awesome time. Josh, Jake (one of my roommates) some aussie girls and I all went to the beach on Friday night which was so fun. It was 10pm and we all decided it was a great idea such a clear but windy night. The waves were huge and of course Josh felt the need to strip down and jump in even though it was freezing. I love living so close to the beach. I think I am going tomorrow since I don't have class until 5. Reading some Jane Austen on the beach sounds great to me!
Port Stephens is awesome. It is pretty much stereotypical Australia which I actually haven't seen much of yet. White beaches, crystal clear water, tons of stuff to do: touristy-beach life. We are thinking about going back this coming weekend but may hold off as it is supposed to be cloudy, cool and possibly rainy. I really want to go dolphin/whale watching there! Hopefully it will warm up soon and I will have an opportunity to swim with them!
We went out to the bar last wednesday (which is there big drinking day for some reason) and I found myself saying a very aussie phrase without thinking when I was drunk. "How you going" instead of "whats up" or "hows IT going" haha. I was so proud of myself because I did it without even thinking. Other than that, I haven't picked up an accent. I can't even pretend in the slightest... I start sounding Scottish or something.
We are starting to finalize plans for the upcoming mid-semester break. We are going to fly to New Zealand and rent a camper van for about 10 days. It should be amazing, I hear the hiking is awesome and there are a lot of natural hot springs etc.
I am starting to realize how fast this trip is flying by. It is already coming up on the end of August. We are planning on leaving early/mid November. That only gives us about 2 1/2 months! Time is already flying by so I know we are going to be boarding a plane before we know it. It is also really weird to think everyone is starting school soon! Ed, Colleen and Tom are already up at school, and everyone else will be too! Farida, are you so psyched? You are going to be leaving REALLY soon!!!
All in all, still having an awesome time. Josh, Jake (one of my roommates) some aussie girls and I all went to the beach on Friday night which was so fun. It was 10pm and we all decided it was a great idea such a clear but windy night. The waves were huge and of course Josh felt the need to strip down and jump in even though it was freezing. I love living so close to the beach. I think I am going tomorrow since I don't have class until 5. Reading some Jane Austen on the beach sounds great to me!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Random thoughts while I should be writing grants...
I have been thinking about what I want to do with my life. And pretty much I have no idea. That is a really scary thought when you are about to graduate college. I am supposed to be starting my career but I have no idea what I want to start. People tell me all the time, "oh that's okay you still have time to figure it out, you are still young..." but those people know what they want to do!
Recently I have been looking into gerontology... working with the elderly... I like working with people, I want to make a difference and I think elderly care in this America is horrible and really needs to be looked at. Not to mention I can always get a job in it... haha. But I am not really sure about that either. Josh says I am just afraid to fail... but isn't EVERYBODY???
I am being really bad right now and doing this at my internship. Which I pretty much hate. Basically: sitting at a desk all day is NOT for me. go figure. So I am graduating with an English major-a degree which basically is made for a desk job. super.
For all of the "opportunity" that is open to people now, I still feel trapped and overwhelmed. Most people I know are graduating with massive debt. How many people actually get a job doing something they love? Maybe I am just being pessemistic...
You know my ideal life? Running my own little bed and breakfast in the country with some horses and other farm animals while raising my kids close by friends and family. I dream about that. But realisticly a bed and breakfast would make me zero income so I have to figure out what to do for the next 40 years so I can afford to do that eventually.
Lets just all go back to hunting and gathering...
Recently I have been looking into gerontology... working with the elderly... I like working with people, I want to make a difference and I think elderly care in this America is horrible and really needs to be looked at. Not to mention I can always get a job in it... haha. But I am not really sure about that either. Josh says I am just afraid to fail... but isn't EVERYBODY???
I am being really bad right now and doing this at my internship. Which I pretty much hate. Basically: sitting at a desk all day is NOT for me. go figure. So I am graduating with an English major-a degree which basically is made for a desk job. super.
For all of the "opportunity" that is open to people now, I still feel trapped and overwhelmed. Most people I know are graduating with massive debt. How many people actually get a job doing something they love? Maybe I am just being pessemistic...
You know my ideal life? Running my own little bed and breakfast in the country with some horses and other farm animals while raising my kids close by friends and family. I dream about that. But realisticly a bed and breakfast would make me zero income so I have to figure out what to do for the next 40 years so I can afford to do that eventually.
Lets just all go back to hunting and gathering...
Monday, August 11, 2008
Life in Australia
Hello everyone!
I finally got around to setting up a blog so you all can see what I am up to! Things have been pretty crazy here. The Aussies are nuts!
But before we get to that... When we first got to Australia we went up to Cairns for our orientation. Cairns is way up north (where it is very hot and tropical). We got to meet other students studying abroad in Australia and basically have a blast. We went the great barrier reef the first day which was amazing! Josh and I both decided to go Scuba Diving which was really scary at first. It is the weirdest feeling being able to breath through your mouth underwater... but once I got used to it I was so glad I decided to do it! We saw a turtle, sting rays, nemo! and other really colorful fish and coral. It was absolutely amazing. I felt like ariel. I WANNA BEEE WHERE THE PEOPLE AREEE... except I wanted to be where the fishes were. but anyway.
We stayed in a really cool hostel in Cairns called Gilligans. Basically at night we all went out to the bars and got drunk getting to know each other which was so fun.
Up in Cairns we also went to the rainforest and got pictures with tons of animals-giant snakes, kangaroos, we got to hold a koala bear! It was pretty amazing but really surreal--I keep looking at the pictures just to make sure I actually did all this stuff!
Now that im settled at the Uni things are a little more low-key...not. The aussies are absolutly insane! Our first week here (we had a week before classes start) Evatt house(the housing unit im livingin on campus) calls "O week" and basically the plan is to just get black out drunk everynight! lol. They had stuff planned all week (heavy drinking everynight) from wine tours (3 winery's and one brewery... you can imagine how smashed everyone was by 4pm) to beach days (I live right outside of newcastle city which is a really beautiful little city right on the beach) to shorty pub (which is basically when Evatt house rents out a bar and does really bad drunken karaokee in the most rediculous costumes), to just drinking in the Cat room (the cat room is the common room building for all the people living in Evatt house...which we TRASHED). Its hilarious... basically anything goes here. We could NEVER just all get so drunk in the common rooms at Uconn!
What I have noticed about being here is that Evatt house is like a big family. Evatt house consists of about 8 units and 2o people in each unit. Each unit is basically like an apratment... everyone has there own room but shares a kitchen, bathroom, and common room with the others. I live with 3 aussies-conal, eric and sarah and one american, Jake, who goes here full time. They are all awesome... Sarah isn't around much so it is basically like living with all guys especially with josh always around... it is hilarious... but a little messy... haha
Josh and I got to go to sydney 2 weeks ago, and that was amazing. It is a beautiful city... its got the excitment of NYC but it is smaller, cleaner, warmer!, and sooo pretty. The harbor is gorgeous... with the sydney harbor bridge and opera house! There is a lot of really good shopping too! We went to the sydney aquarium and saw some HUGE sharks and turtles and massive sting rays... I can't wait to go back... my next stop is bondy beach (farida you will be happy to know paris hilton was there a few weeks ago...lol)
ohhhh yeaaa... classes... im taking two classes and I have my internship and they all.... SUCK. My classes are sooo boring (worse than most uconn classes i have taken). My internship is at the hunter wetlands center (which is a non-for-profit organization in the area) and i basically just search and apply for grants all day. ugggg... but i guess it gives me a break from all of the excitment everywhere else!
Sorry this was so long, just needed to catch up since it took me so freaking long to get internet access... I miss everyone! Let me know what you guys are up to! I am on AIM a lot. Or get skype! I can't believe im going to come back and only have one more semester... when did we get so ooooollld!!! I don't like it! I don't want to graduate!!!!! lol. Anyways, ill talk to you guys soon! Miss you all!
~Manderrr
I finally got around to setting up a blog so you all can see what I am up to! Things have been pretty crazy here. The Aussies are nuts!
But before we get to that... When we first got to Australia we went up to Cairns for our orientation. Cairns is way up north (where it is very hot and tropical). We got to meet other students studying abroad in Australia and basically have a blast. We went the great barrier reef the first day which was amazing! Josh and I both decided to go Scuba Diving which was really scary at first. It is the weirdest feeling being able to breath through your mouth underwater... but once I got used to it I was so glad I decided to do it! We saw a turtle, sting rays, nemo! and other really colorful fish and coral. It was absolutely amazing. I felt like ariel. I WANNA BEEE WHERE THE PEOPLE AREEE... except I wanted to be where the fishes were. but anyway.
We stayed in a really cool hostel in Cairns called Gilligans. Basically at night we all went out to the bars and got drunk getting to know each other which was so fun.
Up in Cairns we also went to the rainforest and got pictures with tons of animals-giant snakes, kangaroos, we got to hold a koala bear! It was pretty amazing but really surreal--I keep looking at the pictures just to make sure I actually did all this stuff!
Now that im settled at the Uni things are a little more low-key...not. The aussies are absolutly insane! Our first week here (we had a week before classes start) Evatt house(the housing unit im livingin on campus) calls "O week" and basically the plan is to just get black out drunk everynight! lol. They had stuff planned all week (heavy drinking everynight) from wine tours (3 winery's and one brewery... you can imagine how smashed everyone was by 4pm) to beach days (I live right outside of newcastle city which is a really beautiful little city right on the beach) to shorty pub (which is basically when Evatt house rents out a bar and does really bad drunken karaokee in the most rediculous costumes), to just drinking in the Cat room (the cat room is the common room building for all the people living in Evatt house...which we TRASHED). Its hilarious... basically anything goes here. We could NEVER just all get so drunk in the common rooms at Uconn!
What I have noticed about being here is that Evatt house is like a big family. Evatt house consists of about 8 units and 2o people in each unit. Each unit is basically like an apratment... everyone has there own room but shares a kitchen, bathroom, and common room with the others. I live with 3 aussies-conal, eric and sarah and one american, Jake, who goes here full time. They are all awesome... Sarah isn't around much so it is basically like living with all guys especially with josh always around... it is hilarious... but a little messy... haha
Josh and I got to go to sydney 2 weeks ago, and that was amazing. It is a beautiful city... its got the excitment of NYC but it is smaller, cleaner, warmer!, and sooo pretty. The harbor is gorgeous... with the sydney harbor bridge and opera house! There is a lot of really good shopping too! We went to the sydney aquarium and saw some HUGE sharks and turtles and massive sting rays... I can't wait to go back... my next stop is bondy beach (farida you will be happy to know paris hilton was there a few weeks ago...lol)
ohhhh yeaaa... classes... im taking two classes and I have my internship and they all.... SUCK. My classes are sooo boring (worse than most uconn classes i have taken). My internship is at the hunter wetlands center (which is a non-for-profit organization in the area) and i basically just search and apply for grants all day. ugggg... but i guess it gives me a break from all of the excitment everywhere else!
Sorry this was so long, just needed to catch up since it took me so freaking long to get internet access... I miss everyone! Let me know what you guys are up to! I am on AIM a lot. Or get skype! I can't believe im going to come back and only have one more semester... when did we get so ooooollld!!! I don't like it! I don't want to graduate!!!!! lol. Anyways, ill talk to you guys soon! Miss you all!
~Manderrr
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