Happy New Year!

Looking back on the past too-many-to-count years, I can vividly remember watching TV on New Years Eve in the States and seeing the Sydney Harbour NYE fireworks show. Magnificent lights exploding in colors over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, with what seemed like thousands of sailboats watching from underneath. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be able to witness it in person. But this New Years Eve, I did!

I was lucky enough to spend New Years Eve with some of my closest friends in Sydney. Tyler and Carly agreed to host us in their flat, which has spot on views of the Sydney Harbour. It was a beautiful and clear summer night - not too hot, no clouds in the sky and 2 balconies from which we watched two fireworks shows. It was a great way to usher in the new year - a full day ahead of the Western world. It was nice to safely report that the world indeed made it to 2012! And as is tradition, I rang my parents at midnight my time to wish them a happy new year. (They were in Atlanta to cheer on my beloved 'Hoos in the Chic-Fil-A Bowl, and I caught them before breakfast their time.)

In the time leading up to a new year, I always find myself in deep reflection. What did I hope the year would bring me? What would I have done differently? What was I happy about from the past year, and what do I hope for the coming year?  It's impossible to capture all my thoughts across the past few weeks, but I can say that the past year was pretty incredible for me. I still can't believe that I packed up a few suitcases and moved halfway around the world! I am so proud of myself that I did! (cue the pat on the back...) What an experience I have had, and what wonderful friends I have made. I have changed for the better (I think), and value what "home" means so much more. In the next year, I want to carry these changes forward, keep my new found sense of adventure, grow my 'global' view of the world and be open to new things/people/experiences.  Ask me in 365 days (well, 366 days given the leap year) how I did!

Here are a few snaps from New Years Eve...the pictures don't do it justice. I could hear all of Sydney count down to midnight and could smell the smoke of the fireworks. An amazing memory indeed.

The Harbour at Sunset on 12.31.2011 

Fireworks!

Bondi Beach 01.01.2012 - view from TMac and Amanda's roof where we had a BBQ

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year!

Until next time....xoxo

p.s. Less than 2 weeks until my Dad and sister Hilary arrive in Sydneytown!

A Full Appreciation....

Today was Saturday, 21 May.  Apparently, some folks out there think that today was the end of the world. Well, while Saturday is just starting back home on the east coast of the States, we are almost done with the day here in Sydney and it was a glorious day!! And at least here in Australia, we are still alive & kicking. :)


It's autumn here, and today was 75F without a cloud in the sky. It was truly gorgeous. So I set off for a long walk through beautiful parks (the Domain and Hyde Park), down to Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay, and then another walk through the 'lower park" along the water back to my pad. I may or may not have stopped at the Opera Bar, next to the Opera House, for a glass of champagne at sunset too. And I reflected to myself that I do have a true and full appreciation for being able to live and work in Sydney. I am really lucky and after my rant earlier this week, I am reminded of just some of the very many things I love about living here. 

Me today with the sun streaming in

A small selection starts here:
1) I love walking to and from work every day through a huge, green park with rolling lawns, massive trees, huge colorful flowers and clean crisp air. I see sparkling water and a lovely downtown skyline, and hints around random corners of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I also have (re)discovered favorite songs on my iPod with all the walking I do..."Sara" by Fleetwood Mac (best lyric ever..."Down there, in the sea of love, where everyone would love to drown"...so good), "Secret World" by Peter Gabriel,"The House that Built Me" by Miranda Lambert and "Sweet Child O' Mine" by the one and only Guns 'N Roses. Variety is the spice of life!

My view walking home at sunset

2) Sydneysiders are very eco-conscious. They are just not wasteful, and the city is clean and safe. Recycling is big, and reducing "rubbish" is too. I love that people at work use drinking glasses and stainless silverware every day, and avoid plastic utensils and one-use cups as much as possible. It's just part of life here.


3) They don't really use preservatives in food here. As such, food is healthier and doesn't keep for very long. You buy what you need for a short period of time, and use it all. I am definitely more thoughtful about what I eat each week. I am less wasteful as a result, and eat a lot of fruit and salad.


4) People are well-traveled here in Sydney. Aussies, because where they live is so far away from everything, are gypsies. A 9-hour flight is nothing to them. Many folks I have met are world-travelers and love to talk about their experiences, which I love.


5) People are indeed really friendly. I have met some great people, and am lucky to work with an awesome set of Brits (who they call Pommes here), Aussies, and Americans. The office is like a family; I love going to work every day. My work is important to me, and I love that I love it here.


6) I love that I can take a ferry to the beach or take a 10-minute walk to see a beautiful coastline and water. Having grown up near the beach, I just adore being by the water. I find my zen there. :)


I really do like it here. While I am homesick, I am lucky to have this opportunity. I am glad the world didn't end today! (LOL) Lastly, I am hopeful that my friends, the Richter's, have a great day today and get to take their sweet Shaw home today. I am sending prayers for that. And I hope my nephew Thomas's knee is feeling better - he fell at the bus stop. :(


Until next time xoxo


p.s. The intense amount of PDA stills bugs me. There, I said it.