This morning I was able to sleep in until 10 am. That's right. A good, solid 11 hours of sleep for me. It felt so good! I got the day off today and Monday is Labor Day here so I get that day off too! I suddenly have so much free time I have no idea what to do with myself. Suggestions are welcome.
At the moment I am waiting on Mom to get on Skype. We were supposed to meet 15 minutes ago, but I guess it's a good thing she's late otherwise I would be watching the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice and not writing this insanely boring post.
I went to the Legends of New Orleans Jazz concert at the Opera House two nights ago and it was spectacular! Jon Cleary is Elton John meets Van Morrison meets zydeco. Watching him on the piano was absurd. And he did a song in the style of Jelly Roll Morton who wrote my university's Tiger Rag, so you know I loved that one! The Dirty Dozen Brass Band was next and they were really cool. Turns out the did a duet with Norah Jones that I had on my iPod so the fact that I already had their music made me happy. Allen Toussaint came out last in a sparkly jacket any flaming gay male would envy and since I was pretty toasted at this point in the night I greatly enjoyed his set and got up and danced. A big and joyful thank you to my family who gave me this present. It was a stroke of brilliance! I wish you all could have been there!
Uh...my laundry is done which means I have to go hang things on the line out back. The idea is wonderful but honestly, my arms get tired from reaching up there for 20 minutes. Can't someone else do it? I am too short for all that.
I have a feeling today will be filled with Pride and Prejudice, The Help movie and possible The Guard movie. For everyone that enjoyed In Bruge- look up The Guard. I can't wait to see it!
Love! And remember: Don't go number 2 in the bathtub while other people are in it, the way a certain child did last night. No one likes to clean that sh-- up.
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Monday, 26 September 2011
GREAT NEWS! We now have wireless internet and so far (like, the last 2 hours) it is working like a bloody charm! I am so happy! I will post pictures and videos and fun stuff all tomorrow! Taylor is home for spring break for the next two weeks, but she will have to be my second priority over this! So excited!
So exhausted tonight! Last night I sat for the neighbors who had the sweetest kids, but they did not get home until midnight and I had to get up early this morning, so I am bushed! Luckily, drinking wine and the excitement of internet has really kicked up the adrenaline. I feel like I have so much stuff to share but I forgot it all! Let's see...
Went to go get Yum Cha (who's heard of it?) with the fam. The line was too long so we got Japanese instead, but TONY- I did you hair-pulling-the-paper trick you taught me and they started trying to pull out each others hair to perform the trick. How did you avoid this? :) They also were only slightly impressed, like you were, so I may have been doing it wrong. I was wishing you were there to come up with fun bored-time games. Feel free to pass them all along! I miss our antics at the Reny!!
I went out again with a fun girl named Cecile from the Netherlands the other night. We went to some mediocre bars and found less than mediocre people. One guy at the end of the night came up and read my palms. Seriously? Not only did he really do it, but he told me I had a short life line. ----
Alright.
One) If you are going to be hitting on a girl, DO NOT read her palm
Two) If you are going to be hitting on a girl and insist to read her palm, DO NOT tell her she will die soon.
Why should I even have to say that? Freaking idiot. I swear...
I got sat on in the bus the next day by some portly 65 year old which was...awkward. The bus started moving and he wasn't prepared and naturally, thanks to Jesus and his hilarious sense of humor, I was in the seat easiest for him to land. It's okay though- I kinda liked it.
Gross. Even the sarcasm felt weird.
The family (I think I like "Team Ex" for their nicknames. They are the Extrems. I dunno...we'll ponder) is still super. I met some other au pairs and I can tell I have really been blessed. That is, I made sure that the family I work for wanted a lazy au pair for good money and did not want to kill me or sell me in the end. The parents are so badass. I think all of you would enjoy their company.
Went to the beach a couple times here recently. Beautiful locales! Even more beautiful guys if you can believe it! I shall take numerous pictures, ladies! Do not fear! Gracious, I get verbose a few wines in, don't I? Okay, time to go. I shall return tomorrow!
Love you guys. Stay healthy and don't do drugs. Remember: Don't store your screw cap wines at an angle! Stand them straight up!
So exhausted tonight! Last night I sat for the neighbors who had the sweetest kids, but they did not get home until midnight and I had to get up early this morning, so I am bushed! Luckily, drinking wine and the excitement of internet has really kicked up the adrenaline. I feel like I have so much stuff to share but I forgot it all! Let's see...
Went to go get Yum Cha (who's heard of it?) with the fam. The line was too long so we got Japanese instead, but TONY- I did you hair-pulling-the-paper trick you taught me and they started trying to pull out each others hair to perform the trick. How did you avoid this? :) They also were only slightly impressed, like you were, so I may have been doing it wrong. I was wishing you were there to come up with fun bored-time games. Feel free to pass them all along! I miss our antics at the Reny!!
I went out again with a fun girl named Cecile from the Netherlands the other night. We went to some mediocre bars and found less than mediocre people. One guy at the end of the night came up and read my palms. Seriously? Not only did he really do it, but he told me I had a short life line. ----
Alright.
One) If you are going to be hitting on a girl, DO NOT read her palm
Two) If you are going to be hitting on a girl and insist to read her palm, DO NOT tell her she will die soon.
Why should I even have to say that? Freaking idiot. I swear...
I got sat on in the bus the next day by some portly 65 year old which was...awkward. The bus started moving and he wasn't prepared and naturally, thanks to Jesus and his hilarious sense of humor, I was in the seat easiest for him to land. It's okay though- I kinda liked it.
Gross. Even the sarcasm felt weird.
The family (I think I like "Team Ex" for their nicknames. They are the Extrems. I dunno...we'll ponder) is still super. I met some other au pairs and I can tell I have really been blessed. That is, I made sure that the family I work for wanted a lazy au pair for good money and did not want to kill me or sell me in the end. The parents are so badass. I think all of you would enjoy their company.
Went to the beach a couple times here recently. Beautiful locales! Even more beautiful guys if you can believe it! I shall take numerous pictures, ladies! Do not fear! Gracious, I get verbose a few wines in, don't I? Okay, time to go. I shall return tomorrow!
Love you guys. Stay healthy and don't do drugs. Remember: Don't store your screw cap wines at an angle! Stand them straight up!
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Birthdays and Wines!
Very sorry for the delay in updates. I have been away from my computer recently. I had a wonderful birthday dinner- Duck Ragu made by Megan and her boyfriend which was almost indescribable in its deliciousness. The next day, Friday, we went to Hunter Valley to visit Karen's family. I sat with the girls Friday afternoon and then Saturday got to go on a wine tour! I got pretty blitzed since we started around 10 and went til 5 or so. We visited 5 different wineries, 3 of which I do not remember. Apparently I liked the wine though, because I brought a bottle home with me. Now, we did go to a place called the Smelly Cheese Shop and I bought Cow's cheese with sundried tomato and garlic. Oh. My. Gosh. It's like goat cheese but softer and saltier. Yummy. I was told I would get to see some kangaroos there but I never did so I am not yet convinced they are real animals. To me, they are still mythological.
Today I have Piper and Bella since daycare doesn't have space for them on Mondays. Apparently it is a very sought after daycare. We went to the park and I think in a little bit we will head up to Target, get some coffee and wander, then go pick up Taylor from school.
I've gotten pretty good at using the vernacular, but sometimes I forget that there might be a different word than the one I know and usually Craig takes that opportunity to pounce on the American vocabulary.
Example: "I put the bag in the trunk already."
"You put it where?? The boot."
They use "lounge" not "den" (because that's where lions live); "serviette" not "napkin" (that's a diaper); "footpath" not "sidewalk" is also used. I'm not sure I like any of these more than my words.
One more thing before I run and play with Piper. Karen and Craig taught Taylor how to say big words a couple years ago because they thought it sounded so funny. The other night I heard Taylor saying she "learned informational points about zebras in school" that day. I intend to teach Taylor "alliteration!"
Today I have Piper and Bella since daycare doesn't have space for them on Mondays. Apparently it is a very sought after daycare. We went to the park and I think in a little bit we will head up to Target, get some coffee and wander, then go pick up Taylor from school.
I've gotten pretty good at using the vernacular, but sometimes I forget that there might be a different word than the one I know and usually Craig takes that opportunity to pounce on the American vocabulary.
Example: "I put the bag in the trunk already."
"You put it where?? The boot."
They use "lounge" not "den" (because that's where lions live); "serviette" not "napkin" (that's a diaper); "footpath" not "sidewalk" is also used. I'm not sure I like any of these more than my words.
One more thing before I run and play with Piper. Karen and Craig taught Taylor how to say big words a couple years ago because they thought it sounded so funny. The other night I heard Taylor saying she "learned informational points about zebras in school" that day. I intend to teach Taylor "alliteration!"
Blog I wrote on the 7th
Today I have done very little on account of my being really, annoyingly sick. I’ve felt it lingering for a while now and yesterday it finally reared its stupid, diseased head. Karen thinks she caught a cold from work so we are both at home sick today. How fun! It would have been really fun if we had both been feeling good. Tomorrow is birthday and Megan was nice enough to invite me over for dinner (duck ragu!) and drinks! Then Friday it’s off to wine country, Hunter Valley, where I will have a wine tour on Saturday! I plan to be completely better by then so I can enjoy all the wine I get.
Aside from that there is not a whole ton going on. I finished The Help and loved it! I hope to go see the movie some day this week. Anybody seen anything fantastic I need to go watch? Karen, Nicole (our neighbour) and I went out in Leichardt the other night and had a great time! We went to a tapas bar and then a karaoke bar which was hilarious. Casey- I had a spicy apple mojito and thought of you. There was a crushed red pepper and sugar rim. Oh wow.
Sorry for such a short update. My brain is sort of mush due to my cold. I will report back when I am more coherent and have things going on. By the way, no word yet on Leonardo. Wait for it....
From Taylor (age 5): errtdrtuguhy hjyik,9oy98i65i8jmyvk jnhmgyhrgfuryfuyh hsuyuywus hwyhuwsyus tytyzatzyttyasdffgjhhhjjfhfbhg bgghhzxu mnmnnhh mum,dadpiper bella taylor 23948088776g
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
STATE LAW!
Hellooo!
They have these cameras here at some street lights that can tell when you speed up to get through a yellow light and then they send you a ticket!! How shady is that? Since when is running a YELLOW light illegal? Why not just take out the color completely and write the poor people that happen to run the red light tickets since you’re going to be jerks about it. (By the way, the spell check just told me I spelled “color” wrong. Ha. I’M AMERICAN, FOOL) I am learning that Australia is quite the rigid, Big Brother type country. They have a legal drinking limit of .05 (please.), you cannot own your own handgun, there is no death penalty, cars always stop for pedestrians, which I’m not complaining about but it does take the fun out of stepping in front of a car and yelling “state law.” They charge you for using plastic bags at Target, in an effort to help the earth I suppose. Not a bad idea unless you are me who has no reusable bag and would forget to take it with anyway. Don’t really understand how they get people to be so good at following rules when you take away the threat of killing them. Let me tell you, when I have my country I will do the killing. It’ll be like “The Most Dangerous Game.”
So anyway...The girls have been passing around a bug so that has been stressful for them. We are going to a valley of vineyards called Hunter Valley next weekend. I can celebrate my birthday by going on a wine tour!! V excited.
I have a cell phone now! If you want the number just email me. Same with my home address. Fun new words to learn:
*Ta- Thank you or please
*Fanny- girly parts
*Thongs- flip flops (these last two had me pretty thrown)
*Mince- ground beef. Heard of mince pie before and only just now realized what it is.
*Avro- afternoon
*Fairy floss- cotton candy (thanks, Joy)
*Sultanas- raisins, but not really because they are made from a different grape
Going to watch a movie called “Trainspotting.” Anyone have any thoughts on it? In other entertainment news, I am reading “The Help” and loving it. Thanks to all who recommended. Also, it looks like the new fam is friends with many famous people. I may have a chance to go to a BBQ with Leonardo Dicaprio. Standby for updates.
For the curry lovers: I had my first Brown here yesterday and it was only good. I would like to try some others. It was pretty thick and only came with beef. No veggies either. Not bad tasting but not what I expected. Pics to come.
Miss and love you all!
Friday, 26 August 2011
Boxers, Briefs, or Pantaloons?
Hi!
I cannot remember if I gave Casey credit for the name and the title of this post but she deserves it. I've gotten multiple compliments...
Right now I am sitting at a bar in the city at some restaurant in a shopping area. The glass of wine I have is A$17. Even with the exchange rate it still hurts a bit. Given that today is my first day off I see no problem spending the day getting sloshed. Calm down, Mom. I'm not that serious. (Yes I am, Jay.)
It's a cloudy day today and the Extrems (family's last name. shiny presents to whoever makes up the best nickname for them) went to the fish market and to play with the kids. I decided to go into town and upload some pictures so hopefully you will be able to go to facebook and see all my pictures from Fiji and the trip so far. Maybe even some videos.
So yesterday Taylor stayed home from school because of a cough but we did walk up to the school to participate in the book parade. All the children dressed up as their favorite character and pranced around. It was so cute. Taylor went as Katelyn the Royal Wedding Fairy. There were tons of Harry Potters and Luke Skywalkers. Ooo and fyi they refer to them as first years and year 2, year 3, etc, which I thought they only did in Hogwarts! Turns out it's a thing. not grades but years...
Other random things I have noticed:
*23 years of walking to the right of oncoming pedestrians is ruining my life here. Everytime I go to avoid someone they turn the same direction I do because they are used to walking and driving on the left side. It is very awkward. Eventually we meet face to face having gone as far as we could to the right.
*Every Asian I see I hope it's communitychannel or Hazel or Esther from Renaissance. So far I am 0 for 19356.
*No one calls it ketchup, it's tomato sauce.
*Jay and Ravin- there are SO many Alfa Romeos here it is unbelievable. I have taken many pictures and think about you both every time I see one. Took a pic of a Maserati the other day in honor of Mama.
*I'm walking a lot which is nice since I am making zero effort to exercise
Going to try to insert a video here from Fiji. hopefully you will be able to see it. If anyone wants to leave comments try leaving it under your gmail account if you do not have one of the other ones listed. Love you guys!
I cannot remember if I gave Casey credit for the name and the title of this post but she deserves it. I've gotten multiple compliments...
Right now I am sitting at a bar in the city at some restaurant in a shopping area. The glass of wine I have is A$17. Even with the exchange rate it still hurts a bit. Given that today is my first day off I see no problem spending the day getting sloshed. Calm down, Mom. I'm not that serious. (Yes I am, Jay.)
It's a cloudy day today and the Extrems (family's last name. shiny presents to whoever makes up the best nickname for them) went to the fish market and to play with the kids. I decided to go into town and upload some pictures so hopefully you will be able to go to facebook and see all my pictures from Fiji and the trip so far. Maybe even some videos.
So yesterday Taylor stayed home from school because of a cough but we did walk up to the school to participate in the book parade. All the children dressed up as their favorite character and pranced around. It was so cute. Taylor went as Katelyn the Royal Wedding Fairy. There were tons of Harry Potters and Luke Skywalkers. Ooo and fyi they refer to them as first years and year 2, year 3, etc, which I thought they only did in Hogwarts! Turns out it's a thing. not grades but years...
Other random things I have noticed:
*23 years of walking to the right of oncoming pedestrians is ruining my life here. Everytime I go to avoid someone they turn the same direction I do because they are used to walking and driving on the left side. It is very awkward. Eventually we meet face to face having gone as far as we could to the right.
*Every Asian I see I hope it's communitychannel or Hazel or Esther from Renaissance. So far I am 0 for 19356.
*No one calls it ketchup, it's tomato sauce.
*Jay and Ravin- there are SO many Alfa Romeos here it is unbelievable. I have taken many pictures and think about you both every time I see one. Took a pic of a Maserati the other day in honor of Mama.
*I'm walking a lot which is nice since I am making zero effort to exercise
Going to try to insert a video here from Fiji. hopefully you will be able to see it. If anyone wants to leave comments try leaving it under your gmail account if you do not have one of the other ones listed. Love you guys!
Monday, 22 August 2011
G'day! :)
Today we dropped the girls off at school and now I have until about 3 to play! I need to go get a SIM card for my phone and a new converter so I can plug up my computer. After that I guess I’ll wander around the neighbourhood and get to know the area. I got to see downtown yesterday with Karen. I saw the Opera House and all the shopping stores, some cool pubs, and where Craig and Karen got married! The internet is on the fritz until the guy come next week to set up wireless, so sorry to all of you that tried to talk to me via facebook and skype. I was glad I got to chat a little!
The family is absolutely beautiful. The girls are sweet but very rambunctious. [Never actually written that word- it’s weird.] I’ll take some video so you can see their personalities and quirks. The house is wonderful and pretty large for the location, so there is plenty of room. I have the cabana in the backyard to myself so I can have a bit of privacy if I need it (theoretically, anyway).
I tried some Vegemite yesterday on a cracker biscuit with butter but I put so little on there that I couldn’t taste it, so I will try again today. Food is good here so far. Both Craig and Karen like to cook which is wonderful. There is always food in the house. Last night we had really delicious tacos that were about 5 Thai Hot and they were AWESOME. The night before Craig made chicken risotto. MMMM. Speaking of Thai hot, Karen said they love green curry so I hope they make it as good here as Thai House. I have high hopes for the food intake this year. :)
I’m really enjoying getting to know Australians and vice versa. I love asking them questions that they laugh at (“Can I have a pet Kangaroo?” “Why can’t I order Fosters beer?”) and am loving the ones they give me (“So you’re a redneck?” “You have your own gun? But...why?” ) They are so fun to hang out with and I am really excited that they are so similar to me. Guys- their DVD collection rivals mine. And we have most of the same stuff, which I see now is unfortunate since I could’ve packed some warmer gear instead of 78 DVDs. Ah well! Um, okay well, that’s about all I’ve got now. I’m off to wander around and all that. I love and miss you all!
Steph
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)