Happy Halloween!

Just want to wish everyone a Happy Halloween this weekend and cannot wait to the pictures of everyones costumes. I've been talking to a few people back home and have heard some hilarious costume ideas. Stew and I are going to dress up and go to Lisa's halloween party on saturday so pictures will be coming shortly after. Halloween is easily one of the best holidays and its so sad that aussies can't appreciate that here. Mick thought you have to dress up as something scary for halloween but we corrected him and told him about some of the best costumes we've seen and some of the most offensive which is clearly the best way to go.

I quit Cala Luna and got a new job at a restaurant called Karma Waters. Its right on the Mooloolaba esplanade and so much closer to our apartment. Also, they are going to give me a lot of hours unlike Cala Luna. I enjoyed the people who owned Cala but they just weren't giving me the hours I needed unfortunately. fingers crossed for the new job!

I had my best surf day yet yesterday at Alex beach. Stew and I went out even though the waves were pretty small and the weather wasn't the greatest. He helped me a lot at trying to stand up one foot and then the other. my problem before was that I could get to my knees easily but was struggling to stand up completely. With Stew's help and some practice in the sand I FINALLY was able to stand up yesterday and was so happy. Possibly one of the greatest feelings is just that sensation of standing on my board and knowing now I can start to ride these waves for real. We were out for about 2 hours yesterday morning and had a wicked surf. Today its miserable out and rainy and the waves are shit so we didn't even bother. Hopefully tomorrow will be better!! There have been a lot of jellyfish out lately but luckily no stings yet. They look like blue balloons when you see them washed up on the shore but I don't think i would be able to see one in the water and hopefully I won't get stung.

We're going to carve a pumpkin today! Stew is not as excited about this as me but he's going to help none the less. We haven't decided what to carve in the pumpkin but we'll have to take pictures either way.

Last night I started the process of developing 2 dreadlocks in my hair. We googled how to do it since I don't want a full head of dreads but a couple thin ones hidden in the back. They would blend into my hair easily. Hopefully it works! If not I'm just going to have a rats nest in my hair pretty much haha. But it would be pretty sweet if it works.

anyways, not much else to update right now! hope everyone has a great halloween and please post awesome pics of costumes!! cheers!

court

The Rainy Coast

I titled this entry the rainy coast for obvious reasons if you have seen the weather of the Sunshine Coast for the past week. Every day it looks promising around 7am and sure enough by 9am onwards it pours rain and looks absolutely miserable. We're hopeful each day that tomorrow we can get out and surf again but so far it isn't in our favour. The waves also have been pretty crazy because of it and frankly, the water just looks scary when the sun isn't out. Not too mention its just cold down in the water and not the most pleasant weather for being out on the water. fingers crossed though that this week will look up. Stew and I are itching to get back out there after our past couple surfs.


This week we got out twice, last Sunday when my board kicked my ass and I broke a fin on my board which gave me a monster bruise. Then Stew got his beating later in the week when his fin sliced his foot taking a solid chunk of skin--at least it wasn't his face! We will get back out there though and I will finally show my board who is boss.


I've been promising to post some pictures of my apartment so the family can see where we are so here goes:

This is our living room, Stew's board is on the left and mine on the right.

This is the view from our living room, to the left is our patio and past the kitchen is our bedroom and bathroom.

This was taken after about 4 days in our place, the newest picture has our bottles all the way to the end. As you can see we started with the rye and have cheaped out to $5 wine ha.

So thats our humble abode. I will post more pictures of Mooloolaba beach and Underwater World on Facebook so you can see some of the insanely huge sharks they have here in Australia that I hope I never see out in the ocean...ever. This morning I woke up to the news reporting that a 32 year old American man was killed by a shark in Perth yesterday. There have been countless shark sightings in Perth specifically and I'm told some here on the Sunny Coast though I'm going with the out of sight out of mind approach on that one. And avoiding dusk and dawn surfs as advised by Aussies. Don't worry mom, I've seen Jaws and will stay the eff out of the water when it's risky.

GOOD NEWS: Stew and I are both employed here in Mooloolaba now. Stew is working at a cafe called Hippodrome on the esplanade in Mooloolaba, a nice french cafe. I got the job at Cala Luna Italian Restaurant and am really enjoying it so far. It's owned by a family so its a very close staff, they always want to cook for me and drive me home after my shifts, very sweet. It was a bit confusing my first shift because here an entree is an appetizer and a main is what we'd consider an entree. Kind of confusing but getting the hang of it. And now we finally have some income so we can rest a bit more assured.

The party we went to last weekend was a blast! And the rugby game was really neat to watch. New Zealand destroyed Australia but it was fun to watch. We saw half of it at the Mooloolaba pub with the crew but went home half way as we ordered a trio dip appetizer and one of the dips was pesto...and since Stew is allergic to nuts the pine nuts in pesto didn't go over too well. He had one bite and said his mouth felt funny, automatically I thought "uh oh...pine nuts! damnit" We got him home in time to get him pumped with benadryl where he slept like a baby after. Sadly, I didn't get to stab his epi pen into his ass cheek as hoped but I was happy I still had my travel buddy at the end of the day. Lesson learned--no pesto.

We are trying to plan for Halloween here though sadly, Aussies don't really celebrate Halloween. Our friend Lisa's birthday is on Halloween so we're going to be going to a birthday/halloween party for that. We are still thinking of costume ideas and due to my immature nature, I will not share my ideas on this blog lol but we're still thinking of some creative ideas for a costume. Looking forward to Halloween as it has always been one of my fave holidays. They already have Christmas decorations for sale in the stores here which is funny to see because its so warm out it feels so out of place. My first Christmas this year on a beach, should be great!

Went back out for a run this week and have decided I may start training again in the new year for another half marathon in may. Nothing set in stone as it will depend on what we are doing but there is a half marathon in Melbourne that looks great. I would LOVE to do that so heres hoping we can make it happen. It's apparently a beautiful route and I have quite a bit of time to get ready for it.

Stew and I finally sat down and made some plans for our journeys. We are hoping to go up to Pumpkin Island for some work for a couple weeks at the end of November/early December. Then around December 13 start driving down the coast in either a rental VW van or one we buy used on the way to Sydney stopping at Fraser Island, Surfer's Paradise, Byron Bay, Grafton, etc. along the way before meeting dad in Syd. We really want to spend some time in Surfers and Byron and should be able to be there for Stew's over the hill birthday party December 18. We'll be doing Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and the Great Ocean Road over Christmas with dad then when he goes back Jan 11 we're going to try and get our farm work lined up. We're thinking of spending a month or so fruit picking and then heading to Thailand, Bali and so forth around April or May. It seems like we have so much time yet sometimes feels like its going so fast!

Anyways, to those at home who are starting to freeze because you're heading into winter I feel for you...wait...no I really don't because its still like 27 degrees here and only getting warmer haha. Anyone with creative Halloween costume ideas is encouraged to send them this way. I'll be posting pictures on facebook soon as well!

One last thing, Justin Bieber now has a Christmas song called "Mistletoe" that was brought to my attention by my bmfff Tim Green. I strongly advise you youtube it and download it immediately as it's clearly going to be the greatest Christmas song of the year. Mom, I believe you owe Tim $100 in relation to a bet that was placed last Thanksgiving stating that if Justin Bieber was still famous and/or had a Christmas album by next year (the present) you would pay up! haha. Bieber for life y'all, better embrace it.

Talk to you soon! cheers mates

Surfing

Today marks my 1 month stay here in Australia so its time to celebrate!! I can't believe its already been a month. I love it here! may just have to lock down an aussie husband so that i can stay here forever haha.

Stewy and I got a place at a holiday apartment called The Beach Club on first ave, just steps from the beach and mooloolaba shops and cafe. We have a rooftop hot tub and pool as well. It's gorgeous. Stewy got a surf board as well so we've been hitting the waves every day since we've been here. Stewy is really picking up the surfing and has already been standing no problem. I'm getting closer but my board is so fast its hard to get up on time but soon enough! Our arms are sore from paddling like crazy but its a wicked workout. We've both had colds the past week for some reason so the salt water helps flush out the sinuses. Went to buy some cold meds and the lady almost killed me tryin to sell me somethin that had codene in it. Luckily i asked what was in it or may have had my first hospital visit in Australia. Either way, the meds are either not working or it could be the drinking my face off thats getting in the way of healing haha. either way its not slowing me down from surfing.

We went to Underwater World and saw some crazy fish and sharks. We also went out a couple nights to the wharf down by the water for beers. The other night we went to a place called Fridays which was pretty fun--Mick our new triathlete friend joined us. Last night we did happy hour at the beach bar and grill with emily and some of her girlfriends. The girls went out for Thai food after and sstewy and i came back and made our steak and corn dinner. So good! Then we killed a bottle of rye and di and made the most epic playlist of 90s music and sang every single song. We also drunk dialed budday dave Pierce. Such a good night!

I had an interview at an Italian restaurant and have a trial next week so fingers crossed that I can start making some money soon! We've applied to like everything here in Mooloolaba so we've been waiting patiently for our phones to ring. We may or may not have tailored our resumes too to make our experience match what they want here lol.

The waves are too intense today so no surfers are out sadly. Not intense in a good way either--dangerous. Gonna sit by the pool with Em and Stew and listen to some country music. Tonight were going to a party for some flip cup and beer pong woot! Tomorrow theres a big footy game on so were gonna go to the pub across the street to watch and learn.

A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to KYLE LITTLE!!! We miss you so much and have been watching hilarious videos of him on stews computer. Wish you were here! We will be drunk dialing you later!

Missing my trash tv and would love any updates about the following shows bachelor, jersey shore, real world, greys, etc. haha.

ok babydolls, thats it for today. miss you and love you all.

Mooloolaba Living

Stewy has arrived!! I spent the last week with Emily in Sunshine Coast and we met Stewy in Brisbane for what was supposed to be Oktoberfest but turned into getting wasted off goon in the hostel and not even going out annnnnnnnnnnnd passing out before 8 or 9pm. GOON IS DANGEROUS! Either way we were excited because my travel buddy is now in tow with me and we are currently all (Em, Stew and I) sitting in a cafe called Emjays using the internet in Mooloolaba.

Stewy and I had a super productive past couple days, tried out surfing on my board and surprisingly weren't that bad. We even stood up for about .3 seconds haha but still not bad for beginners. Today the waves weren't great so we got up early and went to the gym and then house hunting all day. Emily was in her practicum all day so Stewy and I called a million apartments til we found one in Mooloolaba just down the street from the beach and shops and bars and is gorgeous. The best part is that it works out to be less than staying in a hostel which is amazing. It's a 1 bedroom with laundry, gym, pool, across the street from groceries and looks like a resort. beautiful. we move in tomorrow and will be there for 4 weeks. I will post our address when I know it! We also went to Underwater World today and saw some really big fish and sharks it was so cool. I got free tickets from my friend Rachel's boss when I visited her in Redcliffe so Stewy and I got to see lots of cool stuff for free today. Pictures to come!

Tomorrow the job hunt will be in full force. There are tons of cafes and restaurants that we can apply to in Mooloolaba and we will be celebrating our new home in the meantime ha. Probably more surfing as well since stewy is currently obsessed with checking how big the waves are haha. its awesome though cause we both wanna get good at surfing and eventually be able to hang with the real surfers.

We already had our thanksgiving dinner and really, aussies here havent even mentioned thanksgiving so we don't really feel like were missing out. a lot of times i dont even know what day of the week it is but thats just life down unda! We're really picking up our aussie slang and its becoming more natural to say "how ya going?" "cheers mate" and "ye" a lot haha. Soon enough, we will be honorary aussies.

Missing everyone back home and hope everyone is doing well. I was thinking about my family today and all the delicious food they must be eating!! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! :)

Thanksgiving and Oktoberfest

It only came to my attention the other day that thanksgiving is coming up. I completely forgot that it was even october really because I'm so used to the changing leaves and bringing out the warmer clothes. Not to rub it in to my fellow Canadians but its starting to warm up here on the coast though it is still cool at night.

I got a full out thanksgiving dinner the other night with Emily and her friends as they had the full out turkey dinner and everyone brought sides. it was delicious and we were able to eat it on the beach. My first turkey dinner on the beach! so good! Oktoberfest is this weekend in Brisbane and we'll be meeting Stewy for the weekend there. Very excited/interested to see how they do oktoberfest since I've spent the last 4 in Kitchener, ON.

Not too much to update this round, still on the job hunt and hoping to land something soon. Applied to some cafes, restaurants and surf shops and anxiously waiting for my phone to ring. Have been lookin into some strawberry picking jobs as well but that would be more inland.

Got to watch some real surfers in action on the beach the other day which was so cool. I watched their timing and paddling so that I could get some pointers for when I try out my new board. Just need a leash and I am good to go! cannot wait to get out on those waves

In case I don't get a chance to tell everyone who follows this, Happy Thanksgiving! and Especially happy oktoberfest to those who are celebrating as though who know me know how much i love oktoberfest. have a great dinner and enjoy your time with family. I will genuinely miss the turkey dinners with my own and my daddys stuffing!!
love you all
cheers

The Sunshine Coast!

Hello to my followers. I have arrived in the Sunshine Coast with the lovely Emily and will be staying with her for a week in her beautiful resort/apt. Seriously, her apartment has a moat going around it and two huge pools. When we walked up to her place I felt like I was on vacation in Dominican or something .So beautiful. I can see why she may not want to move home in December. We spent a couple days with her family who had been here for a few weeks traveling with em. They picked me up on Friday morning from Backpackers and we headed to Surfer's Paradise. Their gps they rented was crap and sent us in the wrong direction initially but we got to see some inland stuff and had a good lunch at least. \

Arrived in Surfers in time for happy hour at the Holiday Inn. Em and I made reservations at a delicious Thai restaurant and went there with her parents for some great food. Then Em and I were able to meet up with Cam, Jess, John and their new friend Justin down at the bar scene for drinks. Had a great night out with many beverages haha. The next morning the 4 of us (Em and her parents and I) headed to Byron Bay but it was pouring rain almost all day so I didn't get the greatest first impression of the beautiful coast since I was freezing and tired. We had a good lunch and walked up to the lighthouse but got soaked on the way down. Headed back to Brisbane and stayed in the most ballin penthouse hotel room from an upgrade that was given at our hotel. So beautiful, I could have lived there. Had dinner at jo-jo's down in the market on queens and then a low key night at the hotel watching CSI.

Emily drove her parents to the airport this mornin and then we picked up my surfboard from the hostel where Cam and Amanda were watching it for me. Got a 6'8" board for $90 from a French dude who is heading home and not taking his board .Not a bad deal considering it's my first board and usually a used board can still be over $200. We grabbed the board and then headed to Emily's place. Today is going to be a job searching day and then we're going to a bar tonight with Emily's friends.

My last couple days at the hostel were great. Spent lots of time with our crew/family. Had a great day trip with Amanda, Jess, John and Cam when we went to Mooloolaba for the day. Had my first swim in the ocean which was amazing! The last night in Brisbane Cam and Amanda and I got some Goon and tied one on with our friends. We attempted to go to a club called Victory but it was packed so ultimately we ended up at Down Under which had glorious $3 spirits so delicious. Cam helped me pack up in the morning and had to say my goodbyes for now. Planning to stay at Backpackers on Oct 7th for Oktoberfest in Brisbane! Can't wait to see my family there again! hostel family that is.

Stew arrives in a few days after probably an epic weekend for UWO homecoming! Totally missing homecoming and the events of last year with Kristen and Sara and Ryan and Tim and the gang with out Pineapple. Best of luck to all those running in the CIBC Run for the Cure!

More updates to come as I embrace the palace of Emily's resort and work a little more on my tan ;)