Delayed Creation

So, for some reason I've only just gotten around to creating a blog now. I know... I'm three weeks in, I should've done this a long time ago. I could've posted so many things about getting started with my new life here in Australia. But, it didn't happen, so just going to have to start now. Better late than never I guess. So I'll give a very short version of what I've been up to so far. Regan and I arrived here on November 6th, exactly three weeks ago today. The flight was a little rough on the way over, I was really sick in the first section to Vancouver and then the section from Vancouver to Sydney felt like the longest thing I've ever done. Anyway, we made it in the end.

The first week was pretty much just boring "adult" stuff like sorting out bank accounts, phone plans, grocery shopping, and shopping for a few apartment essentials (laundry bins, closet storage etc). We lucked out big time by coming over already having a job and an apartment set up for us. The jobs we have are at the University of New South Wales in the optometry building - my parents had my back there through knowing the right people. We work for two different departments within the same building and one of them owns multiple apartments and houses that they give out to employees or people who come to visit the company - so we also lucked out big time by getting one of those from when we arrived until April. We started work on Monday November 11th. It's good - great hours (9-5 Monday to Friday), a great location, and with really nice people.

In other non work related news, Friday night has been deemed as our "going out night." The drinking age is 18 here - so that creates many more opportunities to go out on weekends! We've found a few cool places to go so far, including some with live music, dancing, and of course many people drinking far too much alcohol. We've been trying to make some new friends while we're here which is harder than it sounds when most people already have a core group and aren't interested in adding two lonely girls to it. We did make a few friends though which has been nice - we met them while out one Friday night and have seen them a few more times since then, including going to the zoo with one of them! Our weekends are usually spent going out on Friday night, shopping or going to markets or the beach on Saturdays, and then Sunday is usually what we like to call an "adult" day - where we do all the boring things necessary when you live alone (clean, cook, grocery shop, laundry etc).

The biggest thing that has happened since we arrived is that Regan decided she's heading home at christmas time instead of staying until May with me like the original plan. This came as a shock to me as well as everyone at home I think but it's her choice so I can't really do anything about it. Luckily, I have another friend Chris from back home (we lifeguarded together in the summer) who's been planning to come to Australia but was weary to come without a job and living arrangements etc. So, he's going to come out to replace Regan in her job and the apartment starting mid December. It will be a change for sure - but hopefully it'll all be for the best in the end.

Anyway, I think that's basically it for now. I'll try to post again soon!