Officially employed!

Yep, I've been at the job for two weeks now and it's good! I have a small group of friends already - all from North America except one Aussie! The job itself is pretty tedious, but it's something to pay the bills, right?! Working for the government is pretty easy too - I have to say one of the best perks is getting off work by 4:30 every day! :) Love that aspect of it!!

I've also been making more friends daily - from all over the world! I have to say that is a major bonus - meeting so many new people and making so many amazing friends! The only bad part is constantly saying good bye to everyone! But, the plus side to always saying bye is that there's always a going away party associated with it!

In other news, my divorce is officially final. Well, it was on Friday. I should get the certificate in the mail soon. So I'm officially a single gal, partying in Australia!!! To celebrate, I threw myself a "divorce party" on Friday night. Got all dolled up and drank my face off! :)

Anyway, I miss everyone soooooo much! Keep sending me emails and posts on facebook!

Who knew hostel-living could be so much fun?

Yes that's right - you read correctly! I am loving the hostel lifestyle! I think because I picked one of the best with loads of great reviews (Base Backpackers near Darling Harbour) but I really am loving it!

I have met a ton of new friends, starting with my friends Natalie and Aimee from New Zealand. We spent a sweet day walking around the Taronga Zoo, where I got to see koalas, kangaroos (even if they were too lazy and were just lying in the sun!), and even the new baby elephant! It was a perfect winter day in Australia at 25c and I'm glad I got to spend it with my Kiwi friends!

One of the most convenient things about the hostel is the bar attached to it, the Scary Canary. It has become my new fave haunt! Thursday nights are ladies night and last week, us ladies partied up in style - champagne all night long for Christy (from NYC), Kate (from England), Michelle (from Melbourne) and myself!


Kate and I also headed to Bondi Beach this past week, where we did a 6km Coastal Walk between Bondi and Coogee beaches. They are so beautiful, I can't wait till the water gets a bit warmer to go swimming!!!

Quite possibly one of the funnest nights I've had here so far has been this past Monday's karaoke night! It was a crazy night with tons of new friends! I still can't believe that I sang karaoke and not only once, but THREE times! Myself, Kate, Claire (from England), Franzi, Anne Marie, and the two Tanja's (all from Germany) rocked out to Pink, Spice Girls and Abba! :)

So basically I'm settling into hostel life quite comfortably! Tonight is once again ladies night, so I'll be down at the bar, enjoying the champagne! And one week from today, I finally start my job as a typist for the Australian Government! It'll be nice to get some cash flow coming back in!

While I am having a total blast over here, I do miss my family and friends back home - and my new friends that I've met here who've already headed back home! I am making some amazing memories that will last me a lifetime and I fall more in love with Australia every day! If you're reading this and even thinking about a trip to Australia - my advice is to just DO IT!!!! You will not regret it, trust me! Even travelling solo - this has been the best adventure of my life! :)

The next adventure!

Well, I know it's been awhile since I've had an actual update. Not much had happened - until today!

I did hear back from the Tommy job and I didn't get it. They picked another candidate who wasn't on the working holiday visa. Totally understandable, but it still sucks. So, I continued the job search and kept putting resumes out there (probably at least 20 daily!) and last week, I had an interview with a temp agency in the City for a typist position.

Today, I got the call that I got the job!!!! So I'm now employed once again! After being off work for the last 5 weeks, it feels good to know that shortly, there will be money coming back into my account! Cause, that account is getting seriously depleted lately! ;)

I was living at the Courtyard Marriott in Parramatta for the last week, which was nice. Thanks again to my bro for getting me a super sweet rate (like 70% off the original rate!!!). But, today, I moved into cheaper digs in the City. I'm trying hostel living for the first time. So far, the place looks nice, however there isn't much room for luggage (and as we all know, I didn't pack lightly!!)

The room isn't full though, so for now it should be good. I also booked myself into an all girls dorm (sleeps 8) that comes with girls-only extras: free Aveda shampoo and conditioner, separate secure rooms, and the best part - a free glass of champagne from the bar next door EVERY night of my stay! Wheeeeeee!

There's two other girls currently in the room, but I haven't met them yet - the room was empty when I arrived. So I headed out to get some lunch (and a padlock for my room locker, so I don't have to carry my laptop everywhere, or worry about it!) I'm currently enjoying some Mackers (McDonald's for y'all in North America!), which has free wifi! Bonus!

Since this appears to be my last week before I hit the workforce again, I plan to do some more sightseeing. I think I might hit Bondi on the next sunny day, head up to Katoomba and the Blue Mountains to see the Three Sisters, and see if Nic and her parents want to hit the Taronga Zoo one day! Then it'll be working during the week, vacation on the weekends for me!

Just when I thought all hope was lost for my adventure, things have finally started to fall into place!

Thanks to all my friends for their words, support and love to help me stay positive over the last few weeks! I love you guys more than you will ever know!

Next up? Sightseeing (as I mentioned above) and the apartment hunt! Wish me luck!

The first interview!

Well, I've got my first Aussie interview down and under my belt!

The job I mentioned earlier with Tommy Hilfiger called me back and I went into the City today for the interview. It was mildly nerve-wracking as it was with the area manager - and the regional manager, who flew in from Melbourne for the interview!

I think I did well though. I made them laugh, impressed them with my retail and, more specifically, with my Tommy skills. The interview was about 45 min long and they told me that they'd be making a decision by tomorrow morning and they'd call me.

So, everyone out there, fingers crossed! I need, need, need a job here in Australia.....and BAD!!!!!

The exhausting job hunt...

I've now been in Australia for a week and a half and it feels like forever!

I have fallen in love with the country, with the accents, with the slang, with the food, with everything!

Now I haven't seen much aside from my one day of sightseeing (though I have seen a lot of this restaurant/bar in Parramatta called the Roxy - as it has free internet access, all I have to do is buy a drink or two - tough life!) but I love feeling like I'm actually *living* in Australia!

The job hunt? Not going so well. I haven't heard anything back from the tons of admin type jobs I've applied to, so today I resorted to applying for retail jobs. I have the experience needed for retail and if I can do it even for a bit while I find my M-F job then that's okay. I just hope not to be doing retail the whole time I'm here in Australia. But, I think making myself look employable on a resume (ie with some Aussie experience on it) will help, so I'll do whatever.

We'll see how it goes - I've applied for a ton of retail jobs today, including one in the Tommy Hilfiger department of Myer (an Aussie department store)! I hope someone will notice my retail experience and give me a call - and further a job - soon!

Nic's parents arrive in two weeks from Halifax, so I'd love to find a job soon, so I can get on with securing an apartment. Nic found a sweet apartment building here in Parramatta that's a ton nicer than the one I was looking at originally, and it's furnished, and available now!

So I need a job - so then I can get this sweet apartment!!!! Send me get-a-job-soon vibes, please!!!!!

Welcome to Australia, mate!

So, I have arrived in Australia!!! It's been 6 amazing days of hard working and sightseeing and just getting myself settled here a bit.

I've got a new Aussie cell - no wait, mobile (that's the Aussie term for cell phones!) - and I've opened a bank account. Next up, finding a job....and then finding a short term, furnished apartment reasonably close to the only people I know in Oz (Nic and Damien).


The flight from LA to Sydney was amazingly long and tiring. Even though I spent a good part of it trying to sleep, it was difficult as I was in the middle seat between a husband and wife, who didn't want to sit next to each other! According to the husband, they'd spent the last 3 weeks travelling together and needed some time apart. Good for them, but this left me with a wife cuddling against me for 14 hours! Oddly enough, they were from Yarmouth County (in NS, for those of you who aren't from Nova Scotia) but have been living in Australia for the last 8 years! How funny, right?

So I arrive in Sydney, clear customs and immigration easily and then get put to work by Nic and Damien. Friday (the 10th, the day I arrived) was their first moving day into their new apartment. I helped them move from one place to the other until about 5, when they could both tell the lack of sleep and 13 hour time difference was catching up to me. I told them I'd take a shower and a quick power nap and I'd be ready to go.

Next thing I know it's 10am on Saturday morning! Guess I really was tired!

I then spent the rest of the weekend helping them complete their move into their beautiful new apartment, which is located in the CBD (Central Business District) of Parramatta, a suburb of Sydney.



On Tuesday, I headed into Sydney to do a bit of touristing. My first destination? Darling Harbour! I had heard and seen all about it, thanks to Real World: Sydney....and I wanted to experience it for myself. What an amazing location - I fell in love with Australia right then and there! I then took a water taxi to the Opera House, the pinnacle of all things Sydney, in my opinion. Seeing the Opera House in person just was overwhelming. I admit while walking around and enjoying a glass of bubbly at the Opera House, I got misty-eyed. Actually *being* there at the Opera House made this whole trip and adventure real for the first time. I am beyond shocked and amazed at myself for making it to Australia and starting on this huge adventure!

So, that's the basics for now. I don't have regular internet yet, but am frequenting a few places that offer free internet as long as you purchase food/drinks (not a problem here, my friends - they have bubbly by the glass at most places here!!!)

Stay tuned, next up for this chick?

Finding a job and an apartment! Eeeeks! Wish me luck!

California lovin'!

I made it to Cali!

The sun is shining and the friends are amazing! I am definitely starting this epic adventure off right!! Eventually I'll have some pics of the trip, I promise! But I am having so much fun!! We celebrated the 4th of July in small-town America style by seeing the city parade (complete with a stop at a local biker bar for some morning Bloody Mary's! ;) ) then back home for a swim in the pool and a BBQ with friends! Top the day off with an amazing fireworks show from the city from the perfect location (my friends' driveway!) and the day couldn't have been better!

Today, my friend Laura and I are heading to Pasadena. We'll go see the Rose Bowl stadium and also see some Botanical Gardens. The sun is shining once again, so I'm sure it'll be a perfect day!

I can't believe that in 3 days time I'll actually be getting on a plane to Australia though! It all feels so surreal!

On my way!

So, I sit here in Terminal 1 in Toronto's Pearson Airport, waiting to board my flight to LAX! The day has finally come and I'm starting my epic journey to Australia, starting with a stopover of 5 awesome days in LA!

I can't believe the day is finally here!!! I had the best week of good-byes...starting with a patio day with my brother last Friday. We hit 4 patios in downtown Halifax and had a blast! Then I got picked up by Sarah to "go for a drink", which was actually a surprise facial/martini night with a ton of my sorority sisters! So amazing!

My last day at Tommy was bittersweet. After 2 years there, it was hard to say goodbye to my coworkers, especially those few who have been there since the beginning (the "originals", you know who you are!). But, I took a ton of pics (which I'll upload later on) and I will miss each and every one of my coworkers for sure!

I had a great time with my friends Alisa and Sean (and their adorable son!) who flew to Halifax from Toronto for my last week there! Though I didn't get to spend a *ton* of time with them (stupid last minute running around!) the time I did spend with them was so much fun! Thanks again for coming to visit, you guys rock!!!

I think the highlight of my going-away week was our annual Canada Day party. I was expecting a few more people than normal, but I had no idea so many people would actually show up! At one point, I'm sure there was over 50 people there! We ran out of parking on my street!!!! I had a blast the whole day and want to send a special thanks to my brother and Melissa Y for manning the grill throughout the party! Love you guys!!!

So, as I start my journey, I am excited, scared and sad all at once. But, I know this trip will be the start of something new and amazing for me....plus, I get to see one of my dream destinations!

Can't wait to get to LA in a few hours.....and Australia next week!!!!!!

5 days and counting!!!!

I can't believe this day is almost here!

5 days and I'll be on a plane to LA (or La-la land, as my friend Laura calls it!) I can't wait to spend 5 days in LA with Laura and Charlie, seeing the sights and just loving life in California.

Then, on to Australia and Sydney!!!!!!!

I had the start of my going-away parties last night...which was actually a total surprise to me. My amazing sorority sister Sarah planned a night out for me with our sisters. Facials, martinis, cupcakes and laughs....then on to Tribeca for more drinks! It was so amazing to see all my sisters there and to spend some time with them before I get on the plane! I can't wait to read all the notes that they prepared for me over my trip. Once again, it's times like last night that make me so unbelievably happy that I'm a sister of Iota Beta Chi!

I've got my big going away party on Wednesday, also known as Canada Day, which I can't wait for! I love my family's annual Canada Day party - it's always so festive! And then I'm on the plane on Friday, heading for a new, huge adventure on the other side of the world!!!!

Papers are filed....

So, that's it. We filed our papers with the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia yesterday. In 4 months, I'll get a letter in the mail telling me my divorce has been approved.

It was shockingly easy to do. Not emotionally, that part was heart wrenching (and still is). But it was far more difficult to get my marriage license than it was to get a divorce. Just sign my name to like 10 different pieces of paper and that's it. No standing in front of a judge, nothing.

I won't even be in the country to see the papers though, as they'll likely arrive at my parents house in September - and I'll still be loving life in Australia! I leave in less than two months for the adventure of a lifetime - and I can't wait!

It's impossible to write down exactly how I feel right now. I don't think words would even adequately express my emotions. I'm so drained of all emotions over the past two days that it's so hard to get excited about my upcoming trip. But, I know that will come and I just need to deal with the emotions surrounding the end of my marriage. Again. Just when I think I'm dealing well with getting divorced, another thing comes along and I revert back to the heartbroken mess that I was in October.

I hate that. I can't wait for the day that all this doesn't affect me anymore. And I hope that day comes soon!

Oz, here I come!

Wooo hooo!

I have booked my tickets to Australia! I'm so excited that I'm finally doing this! I decided back in December to do something big for myself, and I decided 'what can be bigger than going to Australia by myself?'

So, I'm doing it! I've applied for the Working Holiday visa, which will allow me to live and work in Oz for up to a year. I've also (as of last night) booked the flights to get me there and back. I'm planning to go for 7 months, leaving July 3rd (with a 5 day stopover in LA to visit friends!) and leaving Sydney on January 29th (again, with a 3 day stopover to visit my LA friends!)

I'll be staying with a childhood friend of mine - my parents next-door neighbours (John and Terry) daughter Nichole and her Aussie husband Damien. At least until I find my own apartment. I plan to get a short term furnished place in Sydney - which will also mark the very first time I'll live on my own!

Eeeks! Such a huge change for me and I'm so excited about it! I can't wait for the things to come and the places I'll get to see and experience. Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, shopping in Darling Harbour, sphering in New Zealand (they did this on one season of the Amazing Race)....and just experiencing life in Oz! :)

The next 2 months better fly by!

So many changes...

So, it's actually been over a year since I updated last and so much has happened.

Looking back on my last post:

~ Cuba was AMAZING! I'm missing Cuba like mad, especially since this time last year, I was most likely enjoying a cocktail in paradise. I so wish I was back in Cuba!!!!

~ Art did come home - in October. To tell me he wanted a divorce. Quite possibly the worst hour of my life. I'm not going to go into details, but I do know that I found out that night that I have some of the MOST amazing friends EVER, who dropped everything to come and cheer me up (and some with chicken mc nuggets!). Dawn, Sarah, Jmadd, La, and Mel...you guys are beyond amazing!

So, that's my last year in a nutshell. It's been an emotional nutshell for sure and I have learned so much about myself and what I can deal with.

I'm now fully moved back to Halifax, having gone to Florida in February (with Dawn) to pack my stuff up and ship it home. Another task that I thought would break me (and it did, temporarily), but I just keep recovering and looking towards the future.

We haven't filed any paperwork yet (I'm not doing it, this is not my choice), so I guess technically I'm still married.

But, I'm moving on and making HUGE plans for myself for the near future. I'm making 2009 the "year of Vera" and focusing on myself. Stay tuned for good things from me!