Bugs and the Roos!: November 2014

G’day Everyone,

My sincerest apologies on the title. That was what came out when I tried to type against my tears. I can truly say I have never experienced mixed emotions the way I have while on my flight back to the states. I cry off and on constantly. Why? I couldn’t tell ya. It’s some feeling inbetween complete chaotic depression and extreme excitement to see my family and friends again.
The last week I was in OZ was filled with friends, memories, and exams. I had an exercise physiology exam on Monday, and a biomechanics exam on Wednesday. On Thursday though, Kayne, Meg, Maddy, and I celebrated by laying around at the beach. The best celebration of the end of a uni semester ever! Friday was spent lounging in the sun. Saturday was spent at a BBQ birthday party for some close mates of Kayne and I…I’m going to assume by now you are all realizing a theme. Yes, I am aware of the disgusting amount of snow we have been getting for November. So, as my rebel against the weather, I just soaked up as much sun as I possibly could before leaving. The last day was spent with my fabulous boyfriend, I was being a little selfish that day and just wanted to go to the beach and watch movies haha.

Now, there are an extreme amount of emotions crowding my head right now. I am thinking of all of the incredible people I became friends with, from the states and from all over the world. Everyone I met while in OZ has made a major impact on my life. Each one has helped me grow as a person in some shape or form, and I could not thank you all enough. To Iain and Jamie, my offer stands if you want to come to America for your first Thanksgiving feast, my house is always open. To Otter, I don’t even need to say anything. I will welcome you with intense cuddles, tears, smiles, and everything inbetween whenever you can come visit me. And the sexy 6, I can’t wait to see you guys taking on America. You will all do great things. THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!

I cannot express to you how much I have grown as a person. I can see it already just sitting in an LAX airport, which people here are rude as! But, anyway, I cannot wait to bring my new intake on life into my everyday experiences. You guys won’t even recognize me…mainly because I’ll be so tan. Just kidding, safety first, I wore plenty sunscreen so I’m not that bad. I look forward to seeing everyone back in the states, and I especially look forward to seeing everyone I have met while on my 4 ½ month adventure again, whether in the states or when I go back to Straya. I will be seeing you all again. Until next time everyone.

Peace and Love,

Rach

Hello Everyone,

I'm glad you have all gathered around your computer to read my blog post this evening. To start this post off, I just want to say, it is going to be a long one. So, if you have prior engagements I would recommend attending them first. Unless you speed read, then in that case welcome! Topics that will be discussed in the blog post: roast, Halloween, Study break part 2, and attending a 2 year old's birthday part. Lets get started!!

Topic #1: Roast. Yes, I made a roast!! I have had the fortunate opportunity to become close enough to Kayne's family that they have taken pity on my lack of ability to cook things. (My family, do not take it personally. I have not had the desire to learn, until about 2 months ago.) To change this, his father taught me how to prepare and cook a roast, along with roasting some veggies. The veggies included pumpkin, potatoes, carrots, zucchini, broccoli, and (what I don't eat) peas and green beans. I must say I did a pretty fantastic job! No got food poisoning so A+ for me :). Also, you did read that right, I eat roasted carrots, potatoes, zucchini (kind of), and pumpkin!! It's soooo good. And no mother, I am not eating gizzards when I get home....ick.

Topic #2: Halloween. Is Halloween a big deal in the States? Yes. Especially at Uni. Is Halloween a big deal in OZ? No. Not at all. Was that a disappointment/stop me from celebrating? Um, No. I got Kayne in the spirit of dressing up, and we went as ninjas/chinese people. I must say we looked pretty good. Minus the fact that my head was slightly too small for the straw hat hahah. Kayne lived in China for a year before coming back to Straya to start Uni, so he has some authentic Chinese outfits. Basically, we were quite official. Were people jealous of our outfits? Oh yes!

Topic #3: Study Break Part 2. Why do I say part 2 you ask? The "Spring Break 2014" that Meg, Kayne, Mel, and I went on was technically a study break for mid-semester exams. Amount of studying done= approximately 5 hours over the course of 7 days. This study break's amount of studying done= approximately 1 hour...but! In my defense, my first exam is not for 2 more days...then not till the following Monday and Wednesday. So I have plenty of time. For this study break I am going/have went on 2 trips. The first trip was to Montville. Located in Montville is this beautiful bush walk which leads to a place called Kondalilla Falls. Once there, we went to this mini water fall at the top of the big Kondalilla Water Fall. At the mini water fall, there was a rock pool (which is exactly what is sounds like...a pool of water at the bottom of the water fall that just so happens to have injurious rocks at the bottom which form it). Kayne and I went on the walk later in the day so the water was a little too chilly to completely jump in, but we still splashed around a little bit. Once we left the rock pool, we went on what felt like lasted an eternity of a walk. However, the walk was much worth it!! Once at the bottom, we had to monkey climb around spider infested rocks to reach the very bottom of the giant Kondalilla Falls Waterfall. Talk about breathtaking. Once we left the bottom of the falls though, we decided to cut out heaps of walking distance by climbing straight up the cliff instead of looping around like crazy. This was a fantastic idea! Except I forgot I had the sweetest boyfriend ever that was trying to help me up, and when I looked up, got swiped in the eye from a helping hand. I had a black eye for a couple of days lol. Still completely worth it. Now the best part of vacation so far was we did not stay in a hotel...or a hostel...we stayed...in a TREEHOUSE!! This was soooo relaxing and fun and exciting. We had a jacuzzi bathtub (which we naturally filled with as many bottles of bubbles as possible and then put the jacuzzi jets on to play in the bubble madness!! There was a sign that said to watch children at all times around the jacuzzi tub...they never mentioned 20 year olds). I also got to feed a possum apricots! No I am not missing the "O", the varmants are called Possums and are much cuter than our hideous opossums. The second trip I am going on for break is to Melbourne!! I am going to do a Great Ocean Tour which is exciting and whatever Meg, Maddie, Josh, and I decide to do the rest of the two days there!! Very excited for the trip with these lovely souls :)

Topic #4: 2 Year Old Birthday Party. This past Saturday was Kayne's Nephew's second birthday. We went to Brisbane to celebrate the dollbaby's special day. This kid, and his sister, are seriously adorable!!!! You're probably thinking that's great and all, but why is it in here? Because I had to say goodbye to Kayne's sisters, brother-in-laws, and niecie and nepho...that was the first time it hit me fully that I am going home soon. That was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Kayne cheered me up by buying me some Ben and Jerry's though, so no worries everyone I am ok. Current Emotional Status: Very depressed, Very Excited, Heartbroken, and still never been happier in my life. *Insert emotional breakdown* Until next time everyone.

Peace and Love,

Bugs