Having too much fun to write?

Well, take a look at my last blog post and then fast forward 8 MONTHS! Geebus....

Here I am in Australia, having the time of my life! I thought I would be more dedicated to writing on this blog than I have been, but to be honest, I suck at committing to things. I have a lot of great ideas, I make lots of plans. But do they all come to fruition? NO! And that's ok :) I have come to accept that this is a part of who I am. Someone who dreams big and wants to do everything! Someone who has great ambition and a desire to experience everything the world has to offer. But I can't do everything that I have the idea to do. And while a blog isn't the hardest commitment in the world to keep, (hey, it's not like I have a child to take care of or a significant other to devote my time to. What is my excuse, anyway?) here I am , finally sitting down to write, after spending nearly 7 months in this beautiful country.

So! Where am I now? I am still currently working in Brisbane, serving amazing food and craft beer at a local bistro in New Farm. The weather has been glorious. It's technically "winter", but we've been having afternoons reaching to the mid-20's all week. I live in a beautiful Queenslander home in a suburb called Norman Park, which is situated just across the Brisbane river from where I work. Every day, I take a quaint little water taxi across the river and then walk through New Farm park, or hop on a City Cycle bike to the restaurant. I've made some awesome friends here; a few Aussies, some Canadians, one Scot, and many others from all over the world, We usually spend Sunday evenings out on the town, drinking at Sixes and Sevens on James Street and then dancing the night away at La Ruche bar.

I have grown accustomed to many "Australian" things: savoury pies from Pie Face (even better at 3 in the morning after a night of dancing), incredible coffee, smashed avocado on toast for brekkie, saying "I reckon" and "easy as" and "tomAHto sauce" instead of ketchup. The list goes on. The best part about living in Brisbane is the laid-back nature of the city, the incredible weather, and the fact that I've been here long enough that I know the city and how to get around it. I love spending time in the West End, home to Somewhere to Stay, the first hostel that Amy and I stayed at in Brisbane. My friends and I often go to Archive Beer Boutique for some craft beer and a few games of pool (I've taught my Aussie friends how to play Crud, and they love it!). I have also made a habit of playing a few songs at the weekly open mic at the Boundary Hotel, and have made a few friends there. It's been a great place to perform, practice my guitar skills, and try out a few new songs that I've never played before.

And where is Amy, you ask? She has re-located to Sydney, to be with Sam, her Aussie, stand-up comic, fiction writer boyfriend. As far as I can tell, she is really happy there. I would be lying if I didn't think we were due for a bit of space from each other anyways. But, I also have to admit that I miss her, a lot. I like having my independence, but it was really nice to have a partner in crime here. I feel lonely sometimes, especially when I see pictures of my family on Facebook, doing fun things together. There was even a period a few months ago where I was so depressed and homesick that I was ready to get on a flight. But then I remembered where I am, what I'm doing, and the incredible adventure that I get to have. I am so fortunate to be a place in my life where I can do this trip, and really make the most of it. It has been an incredible experience so far, but I know that there is so much more in store for me.

So, my place is to hunker down, save some more money, and plan the next leg of my trip. I am going to book a tour to Fraser Island and the Whitsunday Islands for the beginning of November. Then, I'm planning to fly down to Melbourne and meet my best friend Sarah for two weeks of bopping around. In December, we're going to fly to Thailand!!! I am hoping to spend Christmas there with some family friends. After that, I think I will apply for my New Zealand work visa and head over there to save some more money to do more traveling! There is still so much in store and I couldn't be happier.

More to come later, and definitely in less than 8 months.

- Heather