M&S Cola -blah

Its lunchtime. I'm taking the time to catch up on a few things. Seems I have been doing a lot of that lately, through no fault of my own or any one Else's for that matter, it's just how it turned out really. Its been a whirlwind 10 days. Starting a new job has started with a bang which has been brilliant. Quite refreshing if nothing else. It's been a long time since I've really had to think on my feet and been thrown so deeply into the deep end. But I've loved it. Yes, the hours have been hard, as has the struggle with travel and routine. Yet, 10 days later I'm still alive and kicking!

True, I've been sick. But I've managed to charge on and with each day that goes by, I feel there is more and more I can understand, I can do, I can attempt to do. People interaction, new programmes, new bits of information I didn't know. Plus, the two guys I work with love me. I don't say that in a big headed way, because I was only told so via a third party. But it's a really nice feeling to be appreciated. Let me explain.

Working for Vic Pol was a great thing. Yes, like everyone else, I had days where I complained. That comes with any job really. But when I returned from Pax Lodge I realised just how much of a number I was as opposed to an individual working to make a difference. Two years I struggled with that. Working and working and getting no thanks, no indication that the place would fall apart without me. Or, well, there were small glimpses of that, but in the long run it didn't really matter if it was me or someone else doing the work. Or at least that's how it felt.

While job hunting here in London, I really did try keep in mind the aim of finding a job that I would make a difference in. As much as wage and location would be a nice thing to have as I want, I know the bottom line is I want a job I can be happy in, a job that I know I am valued as an individual as well as a team. Frankly, this new role of just me and two chiropractors has been a shock to the system! In saying that, I know it's what I want. Yes, I'm learning as I am going as that's something due to circumstances prior to my arrival that can't be changed. For the first time in a long time, I really feel like I matter. And I like that. I mean, I don't want thanks for everything I do. But I do want some every once in a while for making an effort or a difference. If I go that extra mile (which is in my nature to do so) and simple thanks is nice.

Anyways, I'm using my lunch to write this because it's quiet and I just felt like blogging really. I'm done with my lunch and was drinking my Marks and Spencer's' cola and thought I'd drop by. After writing an e-mail prior to this that is. Its during the course of that e-mail as I was listing various ways to get in contact with me that I realised just how much of my life is electronic! There is mobile, e-mail, Facebook, blog, BigLight, MSN and Skype. Goodness me!

The past two weeks I've been able to meet up with some familiar faces. Rachel S and Maria P were in London for various reasons. One thing I am constantly reminded is that no matter how much time has passed (in both cases nearly two and a half years) we can get together and talk like old friends again. I've had the same experiences with Shanna, Erin S, Saga, Ruth, Doreen, Heather, Grace, Carla, Louise and Janet. I love how working as a house cleaner (said tongue in cheek of course) can bring people together!

There is more excitement afoot for Philers this coming week. With all the babble about A Dolls House starring Gillian Anderson opening and then Ros coming to visit, London now has the onset of the IC coming to see ADH and meeting up with out every fearless aussie leader, Sandi. Woohoo! I have to admit to being very excited about meeting her. Conversations twice on the phone just don't cut it now! There is also some small, but excited talk, about X-Con in Berlin in October. I can't wait! Woohoo!! Though I think the pressure to be a rep for all the Aussie Philes will hit me closer to it. OMG, how insane is that?! But still so very exciting!

So here's where I am at travel wise. In August we're going up to Edinburgh, Scotland for the Military Tattoo. October will be Berlin, Germany for X-Con. For a while there I had thoughts about going to Blackpool, England in September for the L Word L6 convention. That one I think for the moment is on the back burner. Soon I shall embark upon a journey to Worthing to see Mother Duck and Liz. I also want to go annoy Ruth in Ireland (she just doesn't know it yet) at some point before it starts getting cold. Though I've dealt with Minnesota in winter, I should be fine with most things now!! Ha!

Then there is summer in London. Always a brilliant time to have things going on. I really must go see some theatre at Regents Park. And I've got to start walking my London LOOP! Ohhh man, I need more days off!! Lol NO WAY!! I've had far too many of those recently, I'm perfectly happy to have none. . . .

Its starts . . .

What a difference a day can make. Here is a prime example that you never know how things will turn out and what hand fate may deal you.

Friday I had an interview. It was for a part time job working for a Chiropractor in Richmond. It was going to be about 15 hours a week split between Richmond and Ealing. Not ideal, not by a long shot, but its work and that's always a good thing, especially after being unemployed for six months now.

I went in, talked about the role until I was informed that half an hour before my interview, the guy interviewing me, was called about the full time CA (chiropractic assistant) in Croydon was going to go off sick for a month. There was the offer of that if I wanted it. Of the two options, it certainly was appealing. So leaning towards that, we went to get a coffee and talk over the details a little more. He left to go back to the office, telling me to come back at 3pm to meet one of the two Chiropractors in Croydon and perhaps learn a little more about what I have to do and how to do it.

When I go back, I meet the fellow, whom then takes me for coffee (OMG caffeine OD!) and explains how the practice works, numbers, hours, clients etc. Its during this time (a mere half an hour after speaking to the first fellow) that I discover the CA is in fact nor returning to work and thus the roll would be full time permanent. Woohoo! By the sounds of things, I'll have my work cut out for me organising and putting systems in place.

Having spent my first day there today, Saturday, I can see a lot that needs doing. First and foremost in my mind, the place needs to be clean. Ewwww it's really, really bad! And there is just stuff everywhere. Just you wait, I'll get it in ship, shape order. You guys know what I am like.

Last night I met up with Rachel, Pax HA from Maine who was in London on her way home from France. It was really good seeing her and catching up and just talking and sharing. It was a lovely evening weather wise too, a lovely summer night sitting in The Garden Gate's beer garden. I then walked up the hill with her back to Pax to find Maria Plaza sleeping and dazed on Heather's couch! I wouldn't at all be surprised if she woke this morning wondering if it was a dream!

Life is about to sort itself out. Watch this space.

Markers

Even an electronic marking of time cannot escape the fate of simply being forgotten with the passing of time. It sounds funny to say it like that, but indeed it's the fate of all the journals I have. I've not a single journal where all the pages are filled. Its almost like I get bored with them and move onto the next one. Or perhaps the cover, the pages, the pen are a reflection of the person I am during the duration of the journal's life, and once that phase has ended, thus too must the journal.

I can't say a lot has happened in a month. But that also is a lie in itself. No longer do I find myself a resident at Pax Lodge, I now call Catford home. For a little while anyways. I'm still looking for work, the 4th of June will mark six months being unemployed, the last three of those an utter nightmare of trying to keep myself sane and occupied and my brain from becoming a stagnant mass of well, nothingness really. I think I've exhausted every puzzle book I have. I'm thinking I should start taking IQ tests just to keep my brain pumping and happy and alive.

June is almost upon me. Yes indeed it brings the promise of summer and fine weather and a life and vibe in London which most people probably hate by now, but one I am looking forward to getting to know again. Summer here is amazing. Alive. Colourful. Busy. Varied. I love it. Indeed the past week or so has seen some glorious sunshine and made my freckles which have been exposed to it, stand out with colour. I think my skin is glad to see sunshine. And a sunshine which won't burn it to the core.

South London is a rather curious place. Let me make this clear now -I did not expect a suburb like Hampstead! I am well aware that the area in which Pax Lodge sits is a rather nice one and not one replicated in many places. In saying that though, the Catford area really isn't that bad. Yes, it's a little poorer. Yes, the transport links leave a lot to be desired for, but it's not that bad. I have moments where I feel out of place amongst people, being only too aware that my skin colour is far too pale for these parts. But I don't feel unsafe. Just different. I take all experiences I have as something new to learn and feel and well, experience. From that point of view I am loving it.

And it certainly hasn't hampered my job hunting either. Since my arrival in March I think I've now hit the 500 applications/e-mails/CV lodging mark. That's insane. The number of interview to come out of that? I think I barely make 20. Of those I've been shortlisted from 400 down to 20, or 10, or 8 or even 2. But not quite close enough yet to secure an income. God I hope I can soon. I really hate being poor!

But there again, its not as bad as it could be. I have clothes and food and a roof over my head. I should be thankful for that. I'm healthy (minus a rash which I think is actually an allergy to something). For the most part I'm happy, though a job and seeing Erin again would certainly fill the quota of happiness in my life. Generally speaking. I'm doing well.

I recently went to the theatre again, this time to see A Doll's House which stars the ever amazing Gillian Anderson. Doing the maths I figured it was 10 years or so since I realised that she did theatre and that same amount of time that I promised myself that I'd see her in the flesh, performing on stage. You have to admit, that is kinda amazing! I've actually done that! Unfortunately she didn't come down to the stage door between the matinee and the evening show, but that's okay. I've still chances to come.

Wherever We Wander, Wherever We Roam . . .

I've been asked a few times in the past weeks about how it feels to be back at Pax Lodge again. For the most part there has been mixed feelings. Things have changed and yet some things have not. There are things I see or hear which make me stop and pause and wonder what the response would have been in my time as a volunteer. Its only natural, I am sure all those who return do exactly the same thing.

To be back has been a new experience for me. Third time returning to Pax and each time has been different. My first time was back on the cusp of adulthood. I'd just turned 18, was in my final months of high school and at a very complex stage of my life. Indeed one of many! I don't remember too much, only that the house tour we took was given by our own London Guide from Birmingham, Ruth. I remember it being a very moving time for my other traveling companions, and perhaps I cried too. I'm not sure. I know a part of me walked away that day feeling that the experience was not as moving as I had expected it to be. At that point, I really didn't believe I'd come back.

Experience number two spanned 14 months of my life, at yet another complex point in time. Many of the people who will read this were a part of that experience. It really was life changing in so many ways. Beyond what mere words could ever help me to express. I grew and learned and experiences, and most of all lived and felt alive. The one thing I do know is that it was unique to me and while some common factors will be shared between those who were there with me, there were personal journeys which no one will ever fully understand or relate to.

Then there is now. The Long Term Resident. Sort of an outsider, but closer to the experience than a guest would be. Generally speaking of course. Its such an interesting role to find myself in. I observe, as I always do, and think about what things the current staff and volunteers will learn and experience about and for themselves.

This evening there were welcome ceremonies and leaving ceremonies. These are somewhat personal moments which will shape how the new arrivals will view there new friends, and how those leaving will be forever engraved into the history of the building. To become another face, or memory or legend that will be mentioned in the years to come, if not by name, but by reputation. I've always wondered what it would be like to be a stranger walk through the door in those moments, wondered what they would think or feel or turn away running from.

I firmly believe that in the atmosphere remains a part of every staff member and volunteer. When a candle is lit, and the lights go down, somewhere in the glowing aura of the flame lingers a special vibe. Its in that swaying light where you can be witness to world peace. To the coming together of different races, cultures and personalities. There is something magical about hearing a Guide Promise and Taps being said and sang in a foreign language. Its in those glowing moments that life bonds are forged.

So while things may change or stay unchanged at a visual level, its those small, quiet and personal moments which remain the same. Words might be different, ceremonies may differ from time to time, but right there in that moment, lay an unspoken understanding as to why each person is there and what they hold closest to their hearts. A special moment to which few are privileged to see and feel and hear.

To my Pax Lodge Family of new friends, old friends, mentors, guardians, sisters and life companions, I just wanted you to know that I think of you often and though we may only see each other once a year, once every four years or once every ten years we'll forever be bound by our memories, experiences and friendships. Life may present us with challenge and change, but together, somehow, we'll make it through.

And if all else fails, I'll always meet you there, Where The Rainbow Ends.

Where I am at

Bleh. That's about it really. I've stopped looking at those online symptom websites because in the past ten minutes I've had everything from Strep throat to Scarlet Fever to who knows what else. I think if I'd kept on going, I would have come across a fatal disease. Totally leaving that alone! But yes, I feel crappy. Have been for a few days now, though the past two have been the worst and I am entering day three of Blehville and day two of nasty spots. Hurry up Monday, I want to go to the Doc!

Illness aside, its stunning outside. Spring has come to London and we've had some simply glorious days of sunshine and blue skies. Everything is in flower and green and just happy looking. Its nice. If I have the energy I am thinking of going out into the Heath for a walk. We'll see.

The past week or so has been insanely busy. I've met new friends (Yay for Victoria!) and met up again with old friends (Yay for Saga, Ruth and Doreen!). Eaten at a variety of cheap eats, played games in the Trocadero centre and won me a toy cat, seen movies (Doubt and Revolutionary Road -totally digging cheap cinema). Even scored two free tickets to two shows! In the same day! Woohoo! The first was 'Shout' a small musical set in the swinging 60s which I have to admit was really good! I even knew at least half of the songs, what does that tell you??? And then in the evening went along to St. Stephens (the little run down church on the corner who know the area) to see 'The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe' which was just brilliant! I was a little weary at first, but they did a marvelous job, even managed to scare the crap out of me at one point!

I'm still unemployed. Its been a busy week on that front too. Two jobs, two call back interviews and two times still unemployed. Though to be honest, the first one I turned down because it turned out to be a job standing on the street getting people to donate money. I'm sorry, I really don't want to do that! In an interesting twist of fate, the person I 'interviewed' with on the second day, I ran into her trying to get people to sign up in Leicester Square. Like that wasn't awkward . . . and then the second job was for a company called Perform which I have to admit to being very excited about. Despite my first impressions of it being a performance school in the arts sense, it was actually a performance school, but looking at a child's performance in speaking and expression and developing skills to help them in life. Very similar to Guides in fact. Walked out of the first interview knowing I had a call back, the call back interview I was very unsure about because it didn't go as I was told it would. There was no logic or problem solving test and to date they've not contacted me either via phone or electronically despite being told they would regardless if I got the job or not. So I assume since it starts tomorrow, I didn't get it. I am pretty bummed about that.

However, it's a new week tomorrow and I just need to put my head down, bum up and keep at the job hunting. The right one will turn up I am sure.

Bout time eh?

After much anticipation, my next post is here! Ha! Yeah okay because people have been screaming at me to hear about the life of an unemployed person in London. . .

. . . Gosh how depressing is that? It's true, yes, I'm still unemployed, and yes, I do have somewhere dire moments of down time, but that's to be expected. On the whole, life is kinda grand. Seriously, I live in one of the most animated cities on the planet, what could be so bad?

Indeed the job search has been much more harder than I anticipated. I've been here a month and three days now and with three interviews under my belt and something like 180 job applications lodged, the odds aren't in my favour. However, the feed back I have been getting has been somehow twistedly positive. I'm over qualified. I've made shortlists, but not shortlists of shortlists. So clearly I am employable. For the right role. Which to date hasn't reared it's taunting head.

So to occupy myself in all this free time I have (well outside of applications which believe it or not takes up a big chunk of my day) I've been wandering the city. I've been to see We Will Rock You again (friggin awesome, if not a little different) and been duped by the movie DUPLICiTY. Walked the gardens of St. James Park, Hyde Park, Embankment Gardens and though not a garden, wandered along the Thames Path. Which I might add had me run into filming for a movie called Forget Me Not. The actress looked somewhat familiar to me, but I cannot place her name. I guess we'll see when the movie comes out.

I've had good times with people. We had a surprise celebration party for Heather who has just passed exams and earned her Blue Badge here in London. Which I might add she gets presented with today. I mingled with a great group of kids for an afternoon of fun. I ran into a face from high school which was something nice and unexpected, a great way to spend three hours on a relaxing day. Visited a few local pubs, including one for a trivia night which we won (with little help from me I might add!).

Been to some remarkable places I missed on my previous visits like the Portobello Road Markets on a Saturday morning (utter chaos I might add!), wandered the rooms of The National Gallery, visited the BFI building on the Thames and even took a trip out to Old Street to see Jamie Oliver's famous Fifteen eatery. Needless to say on my current budget I could not eat there, but I certainly plan to in the future :-)

Overall its lots of little things that have occupied my time. The weekend before the G20 summit there was a PPF march (Put People First) which found me sitting on the base of Nelson's Column (that's somewhat crude in some minds no doubt) for two hours watching the march go by and look enviously at other photographers cameras. Sometimes it takes being somewhere quite randomly to find something to amuse you. I have to admit, that's one of the things I love about London. Somewhere, somehow, there is always something happening.

*sighs* Jeff Dunham is in London tonight . . .

Theatreland

So I decided that since I was going to be by the laptop most of the day job hunting, writting job applications and well, being dull, I could at least go into Central London and do it on free wi-fi! Two issues. I'm not very confortable where I am sitting and I'm not getting a whole lot of job hunting done. Far too many distractions!

Needless to say I didn't get the job I was interviewed for last week. Oh gosh, was it really only a week ago? Wow. Anyways, its back to the drawing board and I figured out on estimate I'm finding 10 jobs a day that I could do, thus working out to be that I've applied for around 70 -80 jobs since I've been here. How can I not have heard back from any of them?! Seriously people!

At the moment I am in Covent Garden, close, ever so close to the Donmar Warehouse where Gillian Anderson will perform the role of Nora in A Dolls House starting in May. It was somewhere to aim for and hear I am. Soon I'll wander through Neals Yard. After that, I do not know.

Recently I have discovered the brilliance of YouTube (yes, slow I know) for watching old TV shows. I'm slowly making my way through the series Birds of a Feather which is a BBC show that's only had the first six episodes released on DVD and that's it. Anyways, I'm loving it! I'm finding episodes I've never seen and it reminds me why I love the show so much.

Its been a nice few days weather wise. The sun has been out and making itself known for hours at a time which makes a nice change. I've finally twigged the more time I spend in the sun, the better I feel. You'd think I would have remembered that from my last winter in London! Oh wells, a little slow off the mark at times I am. You know that.

Jetlag and Beyond

Here I am a month and a half into job hunting, a week and a half into living in London and a day and a half into battling the blues. On the upside, it’s sunny out. Which is a nice change. Hopefully it shall stick around. And I think the jetlag has finally gone.

It’s been a big week and a half, an emotional rollercoaster unlike anything I’ve felt in a long time. In saying that, no one panic. I’m fine and probably experiencing somewhat normal emotions under the circumstances –it’s just not something I’m too accustomed to dealing with! At times I hear Sally’s voice in my head ‘Just keep smiling’ and more often than not, it gets me through. However, that’s not working so I need someone else’s words of wisdom!!

Being home in London the city has been nice. It started coming back from Heathrow and sort of continued into the rest of the week as I ventured in to Leicester Square for a job interview, wandered Oxford Street and shopped in Camden Town and out at Brent Cross. It’s an odd feeling to describe, but it was like coming home and meeting familiar friends. Seeing the somewhat mix match of fashion, the crowds, the setting up of movie releases, watching people shuffle on buses and the Tube. Comforting and familiar. I have to admit it has been nice. And exciting.

Thursday night I went to the Ceremony of the Keys which happens each night at the Tower of London. It’s basically the locking up and has been happening for over 700 years now. The entire ceremony only takes 7.5 minutes to complete, but is so worth it. I think there is something special about standing in the darkened grounds of the Tower of London at the clock strikes ten, as the guards go about business as usual and as a lone trumpeter plays The Last Post as a gentle breeze flaps around the British Flag. Something historically magical.

Settling into home at Pax Lodge has been a challenge. Some things have changed, some have stayed the same. I’ve struggled somewhat this past weekend as move familiar faces descend on the building to celebrate the 18th birthday of Pax Lodge. It was lovely seeing Janet again, rather surprising to find Doreen wandering through the HA corridor late at night and humbling to meet again with various Friends of Pax Lodge whom I am sure are going to live forever, even if it’s just in the hearts and minds of those who’ve met them. Yet despite all that, I have been incredibly lonely these past few days.

Yes, I miss my Erin. Having a constant companion for nearly two years now and on and off before that has found me less able to deal with my own company. Not that it’s a bad thing mind! Being back in a building that holds many memories for me . . . watching the volunteers interact with each other . . . it reminds me of the friendships I made here and looking back between the two time periods, it is not hard to understand why I feel a little on the lonely side.

In saying that, the current staff and volunteers are lovely. I can honestly say that. They’ve been lovely and welcoming and chatty which I have appreciated a lot. Last night I even got to venture into the social room, Finland, which once was home to Priyanka and later, Shanna. So it was a little odd but such a nice set up! They even have a little fridge in there for the keeping of beverages!

A new week has started though. Its Sunday, the Holy Day. For me, just to stick to a routine of some description, means doing my laundry. Joy! Monday brings the promise of a call about a job (wait, wait, and waiting) and the next round of applying for more. It brings me a day closer to my next theatre show, closer to the summer and closer to seeing old friends too.

Writing this I realise I am still to talk about the remainder of my trip North to Minnesota! How slack am I?! You’d think with all the free time I have on my hands I’d be tap-tap-tapping away to share the adventure with you all! And so maybe I shall . . .

. . . Upon arrival in Minneapolis visibility was bad. What I loved most about my few days in the Minnesota Twin Cities, was getting to know Nancy’s (and Erin’s too I guess!) family. My favourite moments were meal times, it’s rare for me to have a meal with 10 people sitting around a table, but with a family of eight children, I should image it was normal for them! I loved it! Seriously. The project for those few days was to sort through lots of old photos and documents from passed members of the family. I touched documents and photos that were over 100 years old, it was simply amazing!

Also coupled with that was a trip across the border to River Falls, Wisconsin to visit Wendy from Canada. It was lovely to see her again and finally get to see her slice of heaven. And heaven it was! It was just wonderful! We went snow shoeing which was a very new experience for me and I learnt lots about the prairie work being done in her area. Next time I plan to stay longer and explore the area a little more.

Coming home from Minneapolis, we stopped in Wabasha (yes home of Grumpy Old Men!!) and visited the National Eagle Centre and I got to see a real life Bald Eagle and hold some of it’s feathers. I can tell you one thing, I’d not like to come under attack from one of those birds!

Old London Town

And here I am! Two and a half days later I think I might just be getting over the jet lag. Possibly. I'm not really sure, I'll let you all know when I wake up, lol. In all seriousness, it wasn't so bad. My flight from Chicago got into Heathrow 45 minutes early. The flight itself was good, three seats to myself and it was only 7 hours long! That's a push over! The hilarious part occurred when I left the airport, lugging about 120 pounds (approx 60 kg) of luggage between a suitcase, a backpacking backpack, a normal backpack, a laptop case, handbag and a pillow, plus two jackets. Needless to say I was very tired by the time I reached Pax Lodge. Exhausted even. Someone on the Tube made a crack about me having enough stuff to move house. He didn't have a thing to say when I told him that was pretty much what I had done!

For those of you who have been to Belsize Park Tube station, the stairs to get up to the lift area have never seemed so daunting. Seriously. I have about a billion people go past me (okay that's an over exaggeration) but no one helped. Not even the silly people who walked up the stairs behind me, they just huffed and puffed because I was slowing them down. Whatever!

In saying that, its rather odd to be back. Hampstead still looks, sounds and smells like it did. That's a rather strange thing to say, I know, but all I can tell you is that it simply does. I was recognised by the woman at the Crepe stand, she even remembered what I ordered all the time. I didn't realise I was such a memorable person.

The past two full days has pretty much seen me trying to settle in, doing food shopping, feeding myself, unpacking and making house in my room. In addition to that, it's been some pretty hard core job hunting. And thus far it seems to have paid off. I have my first interview next Wednesday which is rather exciting, and I was also contacted by a woman from a recruiting company who specialise in Government jobs. All works for me pretty much, I'll take anything thrown my way!

And Pax. What can I say? In a lot of ways, things have changed. But in others its still very much the same. An amusing moment occurred when I closed the door to get into the shower. While the inside of the building has been painted and things have been moved around and what not, despite all the changes, I can close the door of the shower area and find Caro's German lessons still on the back of the door. Its almost comforting in a weird kind of way. I'm also enjoying simply watching. I was asked by one of the RVs if I wanted to go up the Crepe stand with them (and I said yes of course!!) and found myself looking at them as an outsider, watching and wondering if that was how we looked a few years back. It too was kind of comforting.

Last night I went and had dinner with Sally, Andrew and a few of the St. Johns people. For the most part I spent most of the time catching up with Sally. Despite the jet lag, I actually enjoyed it and was glad I went. I considered not, but did. Only issue was I went to the wrong Pizza Express, oops!

I'm still to finish up writing about my last few days in the United States, I am sure I shall get around to it one day, like putting up photos. Its very jarring to suddenly be in another country again. I'm starting to understand why people look at me like a mad woman when I explain the saga of being an Australian who was in the US on her way to moving to the UK.

However, I have no regrets and am still optimistic about getting a job. Perhaps I should revisit that thought in about a week or two!

London Baby!

I have decided that I have a lot of things in common with Joey from Friends. Some, not all. Anyways, its his excitement for the Mother Country that is echoing around in my mind as I sit here at Chicago International Airport. I’m writing this offline as I have to pay for wi-fi and since I am leaving the country, that’s pointless. So here I am.

Its a rather strange sensation. I’m sitting in an American Airport listening to a group of British people talk. And it sorta scares me. In a good way, I’m sure, but I think suddenly I have realised just how huge this. Every once in a while I have these moments which remind me that I’m likely to be a tad crazier than most people. Clearly I am. I’m excited scared.

To make matters worse, the woman at Cincinnati when I checked in decided I needed to be on the earlier flight to give me more time in Chicago. Needless to say I had four minutes to say good-bye to the love of my life and future mother-in-law. Can you imagine how gut wrenching that was? In one way I guess it was better because it didn’t drag the wait out. However, I’d have liked a little more than four minutes! Needless to say it frazzled me some. But I am here, I made it.

In addition to that, I’m no longer an excess baggage virgin. Yep, I paid a lovely $50USD for having too much. In reality, it should have been $100USD but the man was nice and said in this hard economic time, everyone needs a break. I’m not a religious person, but bless that good man.

Alas, here I sit. That opening line was just for Erin. I’ve barely been able to write about my last week or two in the States and I’m off to the next country. I figure my first few days will be dedicated to getting over jet lag and getting my boxes to me safe and sound. Thus it should provide ample time to catch up on the blog and upload photos on Facebook. Or at least that’s the aim. If I somehow manage to get an interview, that’s so coming first!

Closings and Openings

Here I sit with officially less then a week left in the United States. Can someone explain to me where almost three months of time has gone?! Seriously, it feels like only yesterday that we unloaded the van from our trip across the South from Los Angeles. Though maybe that's because we got back from Minnesota yesterday and were unpacking the car . . .

Right, the journey North. It was lots of driving, I know that much! I was actually surprised at the lack of snow we had driving up. Even as we neared Minneapolis the ground was much more visible than I had anticipated. But back a little.

To break the journey we stayed in Bloomington/Normal over night. Which was probably a good thing as three people and a bunch of luggage in a smallish car does not bond well with around 5 hours of driving. I have to admit, nothing eventful happened here. Not that I expected it would.

Night two we stayed in Des Moines with Erin S. On the way we stopped at Iowa 80, the biggest truck stop in the world (or so it boasts) which was kinda cool in a truck stop kind of way . . .We got to the city just before dusk and Erin showed us around the Living History Farm where she works. It was so cool! If not dark and a little cold too. But I really enjoyed it and was fascinated with her job there. We met all the animals (alive and dead . . .) and saw into all the buildings including the 1900s house where they hold dinners off season. Note to self, must go back and experience this!

After unloading at Erin's apartment, we ditched Nancy at her hotel and the three of us headed downtown for dinner and a little entertainment. What I do remember about Des Moines was the very cool library that was glass and quite see through, as well as the numerous walkways above the roads from buildings to buildings. We ate at a place whose name I can't remember, but it had dueling pianos which was pretty awesome. I managed to make a fool of myself by falling flat on my face after misjudging the distance from the stage to the floor. Oh wells, its not like I am ever going back again!! Anyways, I requested Men at Works 'Down Under' which I have to admit to really enjoying!

The next morning after a stop at Starbucks, we hit the road again aiming for Duluth, in North Minnesota. It wasn't until we were an hour or two away that we started seeing the sorts of snow I was expecting. After stopping at the traditional half way mark, Toby's, for doughnuts, we arrived in Duluth after dark. As we pulled into the street where Nancy's sister lives, we spotted deer just sort of wandering around the neighbourhood! I was so excited! I would imagine that's the image everyone has of Australia, only substituting the deer for Kangaroos!

That evening I met the first new family member, cousin Valerie. Despite not meeting her cat Bijou, I feel like I know the cat too! It struck me as amazing as to how similar Erin and her cousin are. It was during conversations that Betty's Pies came up.

In the morning after Mickey Mouse shaped waffles for breakfast, Erin and I went out into the snow and had lots of fun. Only I wasn't able to make my giant snowball as it was the wrong kind of snow. However, it was the most snow I'd ever played in so I wasn't complaining one bit! Erin made a cave for Sealy and I managed to break the end of a pipe. So it was all eventful. When we came in we talked about the plans for the day before heading back down south to Minneapolis. And here, Betty's Pies were talked about again.

We piled into the car with Kay and headed out to Lake Superior which was frozen! It was so awesome! Because of the wind and current, the ice was sliding along and snapping and crunching and it was amazing! It was so cool! Seriously, it was great. I even picked up one of the bits of ice and it was like a huge sheet of broken glass, thick and clear and really heavy. Getting back in the car to defrost a little after my experiences with my second Great Lake in less than a week, we continued the journey North to Two Harbours and a destination I'd heard lots of talk about. Yes, Betty's Pies. And I can tell you, after trying several types of pie, I can so tell you it's totally worth it! That stuff is the best pie ever! And I had a scrumptious pasty too! I was a very content Aussie after that lunch I can assure you!

What I love most about the morning was driving along the lake and the scenery and the snow and the sun, it was just so wonderful and I think I started to fall in love with Duluth and the surrounding areas. I can totally see the appeal!

That afternoon Nancy rode with Kay so it was just Erin and I in the car down to Minneapolis. By the time we got there, it was dark, there was snow falling and it was like driving in fog. We're on the interstate and having a really hard time seeing the lines on the roads. It was really kind of scary. But we made it, safe and sound. And there at the end of it, were Erin's Grandparents! It was so good to see them again!

Passing Time

So anyways I wanted something to do to occupy myself. Here's where we are at. We were supposed to leave for our trip to Minnesota this morning. And we will, don't get me wrong! Nancy had a Docs appointment in Lexington (on the way on our trip) and we were going with her and leaving from Lexington. Makes total sense. Its along the interstate we need to go. But no, Erin comes in last night and tells me Nancy is going alone and will come back and get us. Way to lose at least two hours travel time! How stupid is that?! I totally don't understand why, it just doesn't make sense in my mind. Needless to say, I'm awake and have been for a while and am sitting here looking at our bags and just fuming about it because its argh!!!!

Okay, now I've gotten that out.

The trip is passing by incredibly quickly. Suddenly I'm left with about 15 days in the US and freaking out about money and jobs and much uncertainty. This is somewhat normal I well imagine. And in the grand scheme of things I shouldn't worry too much. I have a place to live and some money. So it'll be fine. I guess I'm just sort of idle and am used to going right back to work after a holiday.

Last Thursday we hit the road to Southbend, Indiana to go and see Maggie in her Notre Dame world. And a very awesome world it is too. Great little flat, huge campus and even snow. What more could you ask for? She even has squirrel friends!!! We spent Friday in Chicago which is a much huger place than I initially thought it was. Yes, it looks big on the map but in real life its positively massive. We spent the day in the downtown area which may not sound big, but it really was. Saw Trump Tower and the Tribune Tower, at deep dish pizza at the first pizza place in Chicago, went into Bloomingdales and spent the afternoon out on Navy Pier which no doubt is much more exciting in summer, but I loved in anyways for it's totally random Stained Glass Museum. That and I saw my first Great Lake! Yay!! It was like being on the side of an ocean! Seriously!

The train ride there and back was somewhat interesting. The train wasn't as I expected it would be for a long distance trip. Coming home it was highly entertaining in an annoying way. Two and a half hours with all walks of life. Hmmm.... some stations weren't even stations, there's just a patch of asphalt and that's it!! AND the trains go down the middle of streets! Okay so at home they usually run along the back of houses, behind the backyard. Nope, down residential streets, its down the middle of the road where the cars and things are! Weird!

On Saturday morning we walked around the Notre Dame campus. Area. School. Uni. I'm not sure what to call it. Anyways, I saw Touchdown Jesus!!! Yay! And some very nice looking buildings. Its almost like being transported to Oxford or Cambridge. Anyways, we went into the library and up to the Medieval floor and into the graduate area (you have to know the magic code) and I touched books that were like 700 + years old! I was so scared to drop one!! Oh my gosh!! And they're just there are reference material . . . cripes!

Homeward bound we decided to stop overnight at a place called Nashville, Indiana. It was such a quaint little town! It was great! Met a random person who led us to random place to eat and had the best food ever! Okay maybe not ever, but it was really, really, really good! In the morning we wandered around all the little shops of candy and candles and art and craft and it was great!

Driving back to Lexington I drove Erin mad with my half hour updates of how soon it was we were going to see Jeff Dunham and the last hour was the worst because I think I went totally loopy and insane. However, he was awesome!! The bulk of the time was spent with Walter, Achmed and Peanut (with an appearance by Jose) but at the end he bought out Bubba J because apparently he's a Kentuckian . . .anyways, that was hilarious because everyone in the audience (generalising here) knew the lines!! Plus I now have a very cool Peanut shirt which I'm rather excited about. Two hours of Dunham and Co live, what a great way to spend a Sunday night.

In general we've just been home and seeing movies or finishing up on the house. The last week we were on Tornado watch which was pretty exciting. But nothing eventuated. Nancy tells me I can't talk about Whiteouts because with my track record, we're likely to have one during our time in Minnesota! I can't help it!

As The Day Closes

I’m in such a weird mood. Well I shouldn't say weird because I am sure somewhere along the line someone is likely to point out its probably a very normal mood for someone in my situation to be in. So no, not weird. Maybe nostalgic. Maybe reflective. Maybe contemplative. I guess the weird part is that I’m not really sure what has sparked it. No, that’s not really true either. It all sort of started at dinner last night as we were sitting there eating our pasta in Olive Garden.

See, we were talking about Italian cooking, and as a result of that I started talking about my Nonna. It seems terrible to think that now all the things that made her who she was, all the things that made her memorable in my mind, just aren’t there anymore. I won’t hear her say things, or won’t smell things that are just so typically her. And so I began to think about how that part of my life is now something I can’t go back to.

Then we started talking about family trees. And so I was mentally putting mine together in my head and this morning when I got up I actually mapped it out. Don’t get me wrong, I want to make this very clear now, I am not missing my family. Well yes I am, but nothing more than is to be expected. I don’t regret the big move I am making or anything. I just, like I said, I’m just a little nostalgic.

As I swam deeper into my nostalgia, I realised just how much of a brink of nothingness I am. I mean that in a positive way, despite the negative connotations its probably just revealed in your mind. I sort of feel like I’m perched on the edge of The Grand Canyon (I can say that now I know what it feels like!). I’m sturdy on the edge, but right there, right in front of me is a vast empty and open space. I really don’t know what is next. I mean, I can plan for things to be next, but in reality there is no promise of anything. I’ve shifted everything I know to be constant (in its inconsistency) and placed it in the realm of uncertainty.

Relax. I’m not freaking out. I guess I suddenly just realised the scope of what it is I am actually doing. Nothing is going to be the same, not really. Not in Australia and not in London. At least not the way I remember it. I have no great expectations and am rather excited about the prospect of starting a new life there. But the familiarity that I have with London is somewhat superficial. I will merely be seeing things that look familiar. People I knew from my previous time there will have changed, that’s to be expected. So I’m not worried about that. Like I said, I find it rather exciting.

I don’t know, I guess I am just in a thinking mood, but not anything in particular. I think I feel a little left of centre right in this moment. Like having an out of body experience. Or having prior knowledge of something before it actually happens. I really just don’t know how to explain it.
Here in the dusk I am sitting here looking out the window at the fast approaching evening sky, listening to Nickleback and well, feeling like there is a huge expanse of space within me. I’m a little concerned that people are going to think I am spacing out or having an emotional breakdown, I am not, let me make that very clear! I’m just trying to figure out what it is I am feeling and put it into words. Its not really working very well.

Blessed. I think I feel blessed for how life is turning out for me. No, it hasn’t been easy, but then I am also very aware of other people and their lives and really I have nothing to complain about, not that I am wanting to complain. Argh! I don’t know! I’m frustrated! Stupid words! I had indeed intended to sit down and write postcards that I’ve now had sitting here for close to two months. Ones I’d picked up on my trip when I first arrived in the US. I just haven’t yet. And I should. I’m lazy. I’d also hoped to spend a little time writing. Or editing. And I haven’t done that either. I think I’m just letting the days sort of drift by. With less than a month here, yep, just 25 days until I fly out to London, you’d be thinking I’d be making some big attempts to be doing things I’d hoped to achieve in my time here!

And yet the only thing that really concerns me, is trying to fit everything into my suitcases! Ha!

D.C -Part 2!

Here I sit down in the lounge area of the hotel. This is our last night here in Lexington. Needless to say that does not mean that we'll be going back to the house. Still no power there. However, we're actually going back to Richmond to a hotel there. Frankly I'm in two minds about that. The last hotel we were in there, the power went out. I'm just concerned it will again because the lines are still so iffy and now there is talk that the water might not be fit to drink unless you boil it. I'm of the opinion that if it ain't broken, leave it. In other words, I'd stay where we are because it's working. But its not my choice to make, so I won't. It won't be terrible I am sure. I dunno, maybe I'm just full of doom right now.

But back to D.C, the point of posting this.

Monday in Washing was a very different experience than Sunday. The biggest difference was that it suddenly felt like the population had tripled over night. Which I am sure it did, there were a lot of people heading into town. Knowing how cold it was and how much trouble I was all ready having with my knees and knowing that Tuesday was going to be taxing on both accounts, I opted to stay back in the hotel room and leave around lunchtime to head into D.C. We were staying out in Baltimore, if that helps any.

So I rested up, and braved to cold to see what was going on in the city. I got off the metro at Eastern Markets which was a lovely area of little market stalls and quaint little shops. One was a haven of Children's toys and books. While I was looking through a box of artwork (I actually purchased something) I ran across the others who had picked up the tickets for the ceremony and had started to walk out of town.

We parted again and I found some squirrels in a park to make friends with over morning tea. I didn't stay long because staying still was mighty cold. I walked through Capitol Hill admiring all the cool apartments and listening to some drunk guy bitch about the directions someone had given him. I had to admit I laughed at him. The area around the Capitol Building was swarming with people, the biggest collection of Shakespeare work was closed and I was at a loss. I decided to walk up to Union Station and catch the metro out to Chinatown to have some lunch and spend some time sitting and being warm and resting up. Well, the walk to Union Station exposed me to more people that I've ever seen at the MCG. People in line for tickets. The roads around Union Station were blocked off and crammed with people. I also found another squirrel who was mighty friendly, some bastard kid chased it away. I figured it wasn't a good idea to give him a piece of my mind.

It took some time to get through the crowds and down onto the metro platform. My hopes were that there would be less people out at Chinatown because everyone was further downtown. I was pretty wrong. However, I was hoping for good food and I found some at a place called Wok N Roll which I'd recommend and it was a pretty good price too. So I killed some time in there before walking back downtown after getting somewhat lost and turned around because the metro station I wanted was closed off, and then there were streets closed off and I got yelled at by a police woman because in the process of looking at my map, I stepped off the gutter and onto a road that was blocked off and she got all mad at me!

Walking a little further found me in a novelty Obama shop with all sorts of hats and caps and posters and cartoons and bookmarks. My overprices purchase was a little tin of mints called 'Mints for Obama -Mint you can Believe In' which was perfect in its crazy way. A little on from there I came to the International Spy Museum, but it was an hour and a half wait to go in, so instead I wandered around the gift store and gawked at all the very cool items I wanted to buy but didn't have the money for.

Not long after that the crowds were starting to get to me and it was very hard to find somewhere that didn't have people in it. Despite the small size of London and the crowds it could pull for Live 8 and the World Cup, there were always little holes in the wall to vanish into a find a quiet corner. That was not at all possible in D.C, not that I could find! I went to the Barnes and Nobles I'd gone to the day before in the hope the little Starbucks area would be quiet again. I was wrong. There were even people sitting in book isles and along walls just to be sitting! So that's exactly what I did, found a gap along the wall, and sat with my coffee, cookie and my book just to try and chill before facing the crowds on the Metro. Two days around lots of people was starting to take its toll and I knew the Tuesday would be worse.

Recharged, I decided it was getting dark and I didn't feel up to meeting the others and other people for dinner, so I went back out to the hotel, stopping for dinner on the way home. Kalan and Megan came home without Calvin some time later. He then came home close to midnight. He should have just stayed awake as far as I was concerned.

Picture this. Tuesday, January 20th 2009, Inauguration Day. Its cold, dark and 4am. Yep, we were up, dressed and heading out to the metro station for an event that was due to start after 11am. They were saying be there by 9am the latest. As terrible as the hour was and as cold as the temperature was, I'm glad we left when we did! As we were out towards the end of the Metro line, the station wasn't as packed as it could have been. But as we got closer in, people started to pile on. I think we got off the Metro at like 4:45am and hit gridlock at the bottom of the escalators. And on the street. And on the curb. That lovely curb which we stood on in the darkness for about two hours. At one point I lost my hat, I think it was when I was calling people. Thankfully because of the crowd, we'd moved maybe three centimetres in the whole time. At least it was a good way to get warm. And laugh, which happened every time the yelling guy opened his mouth and well, yelled.

Just after 7am we were herded into a second cattle yard, walking under a silver gate waving tickets in the air. Once more we stood for some time, maybe an hour or two, like sardines in a tin. You can only go so long without getting cold and bored and sore from standing. I know I shouldn't complain, and really I am not because it was awesome to be there in the pre-dawn darkness with all those people, but oh my god the standing for so long killed me!

Just before 8:30 we were shipped through into phase two and washed along with the crowd to the security gates. You had to unzip the outer layer of clothes, be pat down and had your bag (if you had one) looked through. Then the run was on. People were rushing to get the best possible vantage point they could. Frankly as long as you could see a screen, you'd be seeing more than you would just looking at the Capitol! We had a good spot though, right along the edge of the reflecting pond in front of the Capitol Building, thus at least 80% of The Mall was behind us. Brilliant spots actually. And again we were crammed in like sardines for at least another two hours. Or that was the plan. It was pretty incredible really, people were climbing trees to see better. Cramming as far forward as they could. Pushing and shoving . . .

I broke away from the back to walk to the back of the section we were in which was still kind of open. My knees were really aching and I need to walk a bit to get the blood flowing around my body. Here was my first mistake. By moving away from the mass, I allowed the wind to get to me and I just started to get colder and colder. I am SO glad I found my hat because I dread to think about how I'd be feeling without it. Walking around there were people with blankets and cool shirts and dancing, lots of dancing. One group was even singing. There were a few trees dotted around and people were leaning up against them. I figured it would be a good idea to get off my feet and huddle close into myself to get warm. In fact, this was probably mistake number two.

The sun had started to come up by the time we were let into our section, we were totally preying it would warm things up. As I sat down against the tree, the morning sun felt kind of nice on my face. I snuggled into myself and was watching people walk by and talk and laugh and complain about the cold and talk about how long they had been standing there. Next thing I know, someone was poking me and I opened my eyes to more daylight and a woman telling me my lips had gone purple. I don't know a lot about cold climates and how the body copes, but I knew purple lips were not a good sign.

From then on things were down hill. I just could not get warm. I'd watched earlier as the crowds has pushed down one of the barriers and surged forwards. I knew trying to find the others was going to be a tough thing to do. So I walked to keep warm, determined to see Obama up on the screen and I did. I stayed just long enough to see the important part and then I ran. I had to get warm because I did not feel great and was now shivering more than I should have. Trying to get out of the Mall area was a huge feat. There were literally thousands of people around, still trying to get in. I've never seen so many people in my life. It was quite claustrophobic to be honest.

It took lots of walking and three Metro Stations to find one that was taking outgoing passengers. Everyone wanted out and up, not down and away! People. Everywhere. One security guy yelled at a woman for walking on a flowerbed that had clearly been trampled on by a hundred people before her. Children cried. Adults laughed. People pushed and cursed and cheered.

By the time I got out to the hotel, everything was cold and numb and sore. I walked like a cowboy, just a lot slower. When I got to the room (heater blasting away) I thought a hot shower would get me warm. However, room service had come and taken the towels and I guess took a break for the ceremony and not come back! Changing into warm clothes (those not out in the air) I huddled down in a bed to get warm. My guess is that I fell asleep again and when I woke some two hours later, there were towels sitting on the other bed. Room Service had been and gone and you know how loudly some of them knock!! I was still a little chill and on closer examination of my arms and legs, redder than I probably should have been. And dry skin to the max!!

But, I survived and witnessed a huge day in history. Which I am very grateful for. It was incredible to see it all, the ceremony, the crowds the city, the nation. It was amazing.

The trip out of D.C was pretty uneventful. Not as much traffic as I expected. Maryland and West Virginia were blanketed in snow. A very cool thing was on the way there we crossed a lake with flowing water. On the way home, it was frozen over! The biggest event was getting a flat tyre half way across West Virginia and then finding a one horse town with a garage to get a tyre. All a part of the experience really. I got to play in the snow too because in all honesty, having too many people trying to change a tyre is more trouble than it should be. I was happy to play in the snow.

Now we sit and wait and see what happens. I think America is in for a period of great change. We're yet to see if it'll be good or bad, but change is definitely coming and I think it's needed.

Washington D.C (finally!)- Part 1

In order to make the most of my hotel time, I bought the paper copy of In A Heartbeat in order to make some headway on the editing of it. However, I can't really focus right now so I decided its about time I sit down and talk about the big trip to Washington D.C.

A last minute bout of strep throat found Erin left behind in Kentucky and me hit the road with three other Kentuckians for the event that was to stop a Nation. To coin a phrase. Despite a slight mix up with meeting locations (these things happen) we were soon driving across Kentucky, then into West Virginia and up into Maryland. West Virginia was beautiful. Snow had fallen and it was stunning to look at. There were deer standing close to the road, just standing and grazing. At one point we even had a coyote come charging down the hill, almost up onto the road and then turn around and run back in the other direction.

Our stopping point was a middle of no where gas station which was in a log cabin, and had adds to rent log cabins just behind the gas station. It had a toilet and food, so you know, what more could you ask for? It was pretty smooth sailing after that.

There wasn't any traffic going into Maryland, though we had some fun spotting cars doing up to the D.C area for Obama's big day. We even had one group of people from Illinois take our photo for some random reason.

We got to our hotel, checked in, took in bags and decided to head into the Capital to check out The Mall. It was dark by the time we got there, and a little chill, but despite that there were still a descent number of people around. Screens and barriers had started to be put in place (this was the Saturday night) for Tuesday. In addition to that, there was an endless line or port-a-loos along the outer edges of the Mall. They were all locked. However, later in the night we spied an open one.

As we neared Lincoln Memorial, we discovered that we might not actually be able to go up into the Memorial which bummed Kalan out quite a lot. I was pretty bummed too, it a very awesome place to go into if you have the chance. Anyways, as it turned out, U2 was doing a sound check on the steps for the concert which was going to take place on the Sunday. That was pretty awesome. A free show from u2 with Abe Lincoln in the background, awesome! After that we walked a fair distance and ended up eating Ethiopian food which was scrumptious! And very filling in a deceiving kind of way. The evening wore on and I suddenly came to realise that my knees were not coping with the cold and as a result I was walking a whole lot slower than I wanted to be.

Sunday started off with sore knees and a major disappointment at the Smithsonian when I discovered that the brilliant X-Files display I'd been wanting to see since the items were donated, wasn't actually on display. The first guy I asked was dumber than dog shit and probably wouldn't be able to tell me who the next president was going to be if I had asked him. The second person wasn't too much more help, simply said it wasn't on display. Ha, no shit.

A little while after that I split from the others who were planning to see things I'd seen on a previous trip. So off I went, and able to go at my own pace without feeling like I was slowing everyone down. Seriously, I suddenly realised what it must be like for an old person living in a cold climate. It sucks bigtime! I made my way past the IRS Building, up to the Hoover Building (home of the FBI) and up into a Barnes and Nobles to grab some Starbucks and get warm. Little did I know staying warm was going to become an even bigger issue in the days to come.

From there I jumped on the Metro and went up to Dupont Circle to look at the old and weird homes up there. I also ventured across to the Australian Embassy which I discovered was all closed up, no one was home. Deciding what to do next was an issue. I was tired all ready, and just bored and cold and blah. Looking at my map I discovered I was close enough to the National Geographic Museum to check it out. And I did. It was small and I'd missed the photographic exhibition by like 10 days which I was bummed about. Whales are cool and all, but not exactly my thing. Stacy would have loved it! However, the amusement factor kicked in when the woman in the gift shop asked where I was from. Upon informing her, she and two other works cheered and declared I was the furthest so far. I'm pretty sure there's not too many other places that are further from Washington D.C then Melbourne, Australia. I'd made their day.

It was with renewed excitement that I left and headed out to Arlington National Cemetery. Here I finally found the first dregs of large crowds. It was really busy out there!! Arlington is such a vastly creepy place. But beautifully sad at the same time. I mean its just row after row after row of headstones. There are some lovely memorial areas out there and you can also get a great view of the Capital from the steps of Arlington House. I happened to be out there when the Inauguration Concert was on and it was actually echoing across the river to where I was!

A little under two hours out there turned me cold and darkness was starting to arrive. I headed back into D.C to meet up with the others at a Starbucks only to run into issues on the Metro, namely I couldn't get off at the stop I wanted to because of the crowds that had been in town from the concert. I had to get off two stops later and walk. Needless to say I was sore and cold when I got there to face a line of like 30 people waiting for coffee. I have to admit, I feared I'd be in line for like half an hour, but in actual fact it was less than ten minutes which I was highly impressed by. I lost count the number of times I'd been in line at Highpoint Starbucks and waited like 20 minutes for a coffee when there had only been three people in front of me. The crowds and lines were also a theme which would repeat themselves in the days to follow.

For now I am leaving it at Sunday night as I'm starting to get a headache. Not too much more happened that night, we went back to the hotel and got warm, drank beer and watched TV. And slept, which I have to admit was nice!!

I am a Refugee . . .The Big Freeze of 2009

So anyways, I know a lot of people have been wanting to hear about Washington D.C but in the days since my return it took a while to calm back down and be ready to see people again. Then there was Australia Day and now there are even bigger things going on. Which I want to talk about first. Seeing as its going to be at least another 35-40 hours before I leave my current location for good, I figure that'll be ample time to take the time to write about my adventures up north. In saying that, let me begin with why I'm a refugee.

Currently it's Wednesday evening around 6pm. So Monday was Australia Day. We went out to Outback Steakhouse for dinner. It was very depressing to learn that an Australian themed eatery didn't have anything happening for Aussieland's special day. Anyways, there was talk in the afternoon of a storm coming through and people were madly buying supplies like they were going to be trapped in their houses. This was generally met with disbelief because apparently the Weather people are in the same class as Frosty, they tend to lie a lot. Monday night I had trouble falling asleep and it was gone 2am before I finally nodded off.

At 7:30am George comes knocking with extra blankets. Apparently the power went off at 6am and hadn't come back on. The central heating had been off. So he was making sure we were warm enough. Well by the time that was all over and he was curled up in bed sleeping, the rest of us were awake, so got up. Well, what an interesting site greeted us Tuesday morning. Everything was frozen. Seriously, everything. It was so weird!! Needless to say we spent Tuesday inside. Preying the electric would come back on so we could get the heaters running again, cook and just generally have electricity to see and what not. Thank goodness for an outdoor camping stove which provided the means to boil water and make soup. However, with Erin's allergies to the cold and Nancy being sick, staying in a house which was getting progressively colder was not going to be an option, regardless of how many torches and candles we had.

Thus began the challenge of trying to find a hotel. Which was hard. Lots of people were out of power and doing the same thing. Eventually we came across a place in downtown Richmond that would fit us in. Last available room. So around dusk we were finally set to leave the house and head into town. It had been 12 hours since the power went off. The were trees down, wires down, and ice everywhere. Earlier in the day I'd been outside and in the silence of the world, you could hear trees falling and popping as the weight of the ice made trees snap and it echoed across the silence. It was so eerie. I am now well acquainted with the sound of popped and shattering trees. We got to the hotel, parts of Richmond were out of electricity too, with shops closed and traffic lights out. There were trees down over roads and it was still raining.

After getting to the room, cranking on the heater, I decide to head out to Taco Bells to get some warm dinner for us. I've never driven in that kind of weather before, man it's certainly been a challenge and a very tense experience for me. So I head out to discover that in the time we'd been at the hotel, even more electricity had gone out, more traffic lights were down and pretty much all of Richmond from what I could see was out of power. So I drove to the other side of town and found that Mc Donalds near Kroger was open. And every person in Richmond was there. The curious thing is that everyone wanted to go through the drive through, no one was parking and going inside! Which being a Non-American I did. God forbid they have to walk anywhere!! I think I was in McDonalds for about 45 minutes and all I could hear were people complaining. I mean think about it, there are now hundreds, if not thousands of people without heat and power, all needing food. If you get a double cheeseburger instead of just a standard cheeseburger, deal with it and just leave, don't cause a scene!!

It really kind of annoyed me. And the staff weren't helping. I think they were doing their fair share of complaining too. Thus, finally armed with food, I got back into the car, back out onto the crazy roads (I had not a lot of vision, both side mirrors were frozen over!). So I settle back in to the hotel, were eating and then watching property shows when suddenly, after 9pm, the power goes out, the heater goes off and we're blanketed in darkness. Yes, the rest of the place had lost power. After much discussion we decided to stay put. The house had not had any heat since 6am that morning, at least the heater had been running in the hotel. So we stayed, rugged up, and slept.

George came knocking at 7:30am again, then again later at 10am. Finally we ventured out of the hotel into a white world of snow and ice and still no power. Anywhere. Once again we headed back to McDonalds in the hope it was open and working. It was and it was full again. But warm and had food. They even extended the breakfast hours until 11:30am. One guy was talking he'd heard on the news that 60,000 people in Kentucky were without power. And I'd believe it. A change from the night before was that everyone, staff and customers combined, were much nicer and happier and couldn't do enough for each other. Everyone was in the same boat.

From there we headed back to the house with the intention in mind of packing better and trying to find a hotel further afield to house ourselves for a few days. The roads back to the house were crazy. More trees down, more power lines down with lots more ice. It was so beautiful, yet kinda scary. We got back eventually, tucked Nancy up on the couch and hunted around for some hotels. We found one in Lexington, though the room we were trying to get was booked in between us hearing about it and the time we actually booked it. No big deal. We have a room with a King bed and fold out couch. We're all warm and safe and have a place to sleep. Plus, we've power and Internet access!!

We left the house around 3pm and headed up to Lexington which is where we are now. On the way up we were listening to the radio. It could be days until we get power again. Malls and shops are out of gas products and cookers, places are without water and power and no school is happening for the rest of the week. Its crazy. But like I said, as long as the power holds up, we're fine where we are. Might go a little stir crazy being holed up in a room together, but we'll be warm and safe! Plus there's a big plasma in the room so that's kinda cool too.

So here we are, 36 hours after losing power. Who knows what the next few days have waiting for us.

The Eve of D.C

Winter is here, and in stronger force than I have ever known before. We've not even ventured up to Minnesota yet! The past few days has seen the temperatures drop below zero, hovering around -17 Celsius at one point there. The very odd thing is that there is no snow outside! We had some when it was a little warmer (which sounds rather odd) but its long gone now. At least the Squirrel has been spotted back in the Gow's garden, that's something exciting!

Indeed as the title states, tomorrow we pile into the car and drive North for Washington D.C which no doubt will be a thing a lot of people will be doing in the next few days. Its all rather exciting really, I'm so happy to be going up to D.C for such a historic event. There are five of us going, and only four tickets for the ticketed area for the actual ceremony for Obama, and I nominated myself to be the one to 'miss out' only I really don't see it like that. Besides, I'm the only non-American going and I sort of feel that it's more important to them, but for different reasons. I'm happy simply to be going. Don't get me wrong, if someone handed me a ticket I am so there, but to simply be in the Mall with thousands of thousands of people is just going to be mind blowing. And I sort of feel like I'll get to experience it through the eyes of lots of different Americans. Because I am sure we'll mix and talk in the hours we're waiting for it all to begin!

I have been keeping busy. While my sole project while in the US was to sit and do a re-write of In A Heartbeat for the self publishing deal via NaNoWriMo we're also decided that Erin and I are going to help the Gow's have a clear out. We've been doing well so far and bit by bit things are happening. The past two days has been the office area and I have to admit to having a sense of accomplishment by looking at what is there now. It keeps me busy, satisfies the OCD impulses I have and it practical for those on the receiving end.

We've also settles on dates for our trip to Minnesota, via Southbend on the way up and Des Moines on the way back. February is going to be a busy month all round. A little travel, some Jeff Dunham and the daunting task of finding a job in the UK before I get there. Or at least line up interviews. Its also a little exciting too I think. Its a new chapter of life and while to begin with I won't have the freedom to get 'the' job, I think in time that will happen.

People have been asking about wedding plans and if Erin and I are breaking up or not. Firstly and most importantly, we are not breaking up. The wedding was simply post-poned because of timing and money issues. Something we've been talking about for a good few weeks now. This past week the stress of being away from routine and uncertain about future plans has taken its toll. However, things are back on the road to recovery. So no one panic, stress or worry. Everything is fine. In some twisted kind of way we should be celebrating our first, big, serious argument. In over three years when you consider all thats been going on, that's pretty good!

My return to London has also been something people have been asking about. So here's where I am at. As of today (quite early this morning in fact!!!) I've pushed applying for the OA position at Pax to the back burner. Depending on how things go, it may be something I consider at a later date. However, for the moment there strong plans of being an LTR at Pax until May. In that time, I hope to find a regular income so when May comes along, I find a new place to live and venture out into the world that way. Hopefully that for the time being will satisfy people's curiosity.

Not Just County, but State

So anyways, I finally had a brush with the law. I have to admit, it was a little scary. In all honesty the belt and hat man probably was trained to talk the talk and scare the crap out of people, so I shouldn't take it too personally -but crap I did! He scared me! Turns out Little Miss Nancy is breaking the law, who'd have guessed it?! Kind of like the way registration work in Oz, there is a similar thing here, but rather than a rego sticker, there is a coloured square that goes on the number plate. Basically, Nancy's is yellow when it should be green, and should have been green some eight months ago, oops.

We are driving round Richmond after buying bird seed and I suddenly went 'oh shit shit what do I do, what do I do??!!' without actually informing my two passengers that there was a flashing police car behind me. I guess I didn't notice right away because the guy didn't have sirens! Too bad if I had been blind...wait...after trying to figure out which traffic law I had broken and finally pulling over (all in about 5 seconds by the way), Mr Hat and Belt got out of the car and talked about something called a tag and yours truly gave a blank look and pointed to the woman in the back saying that she was the owner.

After asking for my licence and pointedly telling me I needed an International Drivers Licence, I pointedly told him that the people I spoke to said I didn't because I was only here on holiday. He takes my licence and Nancy's insurance card and walks back to the car. The three of us chat a little, Erin declared she's never been pulled over by the cops in the US and he eventually comes back. This is the part that scares me.

He informs me that he's only going to give Nancy a caution notice on the condition we go first thing Monday morning to get this tag thing sorted. Otherwise if he issues (the equivalent of) a penalty notice, I'll be summonsed to court because I was the driver and if I wasn't in the country when this happened, some sort of warrant would be issued for failure to appear and when I enter the country next, I'll end up in jail. Wholly crap man!! Even if it was all talk talk to scare me, it so totally worked and I was like freaking out! I like the United States, I'd like to come back!

As we drive off, I'm informed I didn't just get pulled over by a County Cop, but a State Trooper. Or someone similar. I suppose if I am going to get messed up in something like that, it's good to just cut out the little man.

Worlds Apart

I always feel that on my "long haul" trips to the US there is always a grace period where I am so swept up in the coolness of being in a new country, that everything is great and new and different and I just accept it as being so without questioning on giving things a second thought. Like most phases, that wears off and suddenly I find myself paying a little more attention to what it is I am actually seeing.

Yesterday, I believe, the grace period ended. Or at least for the moment.

Back in Australia there was usually a clear divide about classes, or about wealth or education. It was rare in 'every day life' to be confronted with someone or some place that was not of your own sort. I know this makes me sound like I am a huge snob, and certainly I do not consider myself a snob, but I'm trying to find the right words to describe what it is I am seeing and this is really the only way I know how. So clear class, education and economic divide. Perhaps it is the region I am in of the States, but I almost feel like I am not seeing that here. There seems to be no line. Though in saying that the people who live here clearly see a divide, especially in education, between Richmond and Irving -where ever that is. There were some jokes being thrown around which seemed similar to those you'd be hearing about Broadmeadows, so I can only really assume these things.

Driving around yesterday it struck me how little divide there is (among other things) between class and economy. I mean its utterly bizarre to be driving along in rural Richmond (of which is comparable in size to Seymour, Victoria) and see beautiful brick homes, well kept and presented with nice cars. Somewhat what you'd expect of middle class, possibly in some cases bordering on upper class. Though again this is using comparable Australian expectancies. And yet right next door there is a trailer (portable home) which barely looks fit for human habitation, surrounded by long grass, old and broken cars and enough rubbish to start a land fill. Right there, nestled between two presentable homes. Its so strange.

What strikes me more is in that yard of what I see as rubble, sits a brand new (or appears to be) car. I just can't fathom living in something that barely looks worth $20 yet driving a car that no doubt has cost something like $30,000 + and could easily house a person in a nicer home. The other day Erin told me that here, everyone needs at least one car, even if it is at the sacrifice of how you live because here, a car is everything. Looking at the non-existent transport system and the sheer fear of walking, I can understand why. But on the flip side of that, you get people who are driving unsafe cars which have body work that is certainly not up to safety standards which have been merely spray painted over and based on the assumption that you can't see it, then it's fine! Yesterday at Hamburg Pavilion a car pulled up beside us with a man, woman and young baby. The bonnet was held down with one of those ropes with hooks on either end that you keep in the car (I so can't think of the name right now!) and one of the back windows were taped up. I felt so sorry for that child. For it's safety. For the fact that its parents didn't value it's life enough to not drive a death trap like that. 'Mom' was talking on what appeared to be a Blackberry (can you even talk on a blackberry??). Dad was wearing a pair of converse runners that certainly would have cost a pretty penny. Either that or both had fallen off the back of a truck which I hadn't really thought of until now . . . .

What I am trying to say is that there seems to be no divide between classes or money or education (which I didn't really touch on). Which isn't a bad thing, it's nice to know that people can mix! Its just that visually is quite unexpected to see.

I just, for a country that on the surface appears similar to Australia, it's quite jarring to experience everyday American life and find that they're a lot further apart than you expect them to be.

I could start on food, but I might just leave that until another day because frankly that'll be another long one full of things I do not understand. I always tell people, following on from my experiences, that if they go to America for a holiday to not just fly in and out of the major cities, rather hire a car and drive across a state or two and see just how different life really is. Because it really is. I have a great respect for Americans in small town, even if I don't really understand why they do certain things. Because more often that not they seem to be miles away from anything and I don't know! I just started writing what I was thinking and I can't structure it!!

Its a New One

Hardly seems like it was before Christmas that I wrote. Its been a number of days which really don't feel like that many at all. However when I think about it, a lot has been crammed in there so its very possible that it's been a while!

Now, Christmas. It was really good in a Gow kinda way! I've become accustomed to celebrating Christmas a little different to my own upbringing, but its sorta nice in a quiet kind of way. Comforting even, to know that commercialising such a time can reach far, but not always penetrate everywhere. In saying that, I got a nice stash of goodies, including my own mail box. Yep, a real life black, USA post approved, metal mail box complete with a little red flag. Its pretty cool!! Needless to say keeping it with me (ie to the US provided much thinking) but it's all sorted now. In addition to that, a harmonica (ha ha ha Erin!!) and much chocolate and good things which aren't as unique as the two I mentioned.

Christmas ended that night with us letting off the fireworks we bought before leaving Tennessee as Nancy and George were going to be away for New Years and well, we got some exciting things that Nancy had to be there for. It was friggin awesome. We even scored an audience of locals :-) and one of the rockets we've still not been able to find.

Along with celebrating the festive season in Kentucky comes the annual Girl Scout gathering at the Gow household. Its been happening for years and I love them because anything can happen and its just a great mix of people who talk about anything. Plus there is always much greatness of foods. And indeed, its always a learning experience. Now see, this year was rather wet. Well at least a little for some, and a lot for others. The Cecils gave me a late birthday present part of which was a very cool dolphin water pistol. Which I just so happened to bring out because I'd been bugging Erin and Nancy with it all the week and they felt the Cecils should have to deal with some of it. Things escalated when Vince went out to the car and returned with something of the Super Soaker variety, and went further still when water was moved via glass onto a head. Oh dear. So not only was it hilariously funny for those watching, it was good fun for those involved too! Ahh what's life without some reckless fun?! Point being I had a great night, I always look forward to the gatherings and I am never disappointed.

The last day of 2008 was spent going through all of Erin's earthly possessions. Wow. It was a task and a half for lots of reasons! But come 8pm on NYE we were done!!! And it looks good and well, there are now lots of bags and boxes out in the garage. As a result of all the hard work during the day, it wasn't surprising that I was almost asleep before midnight. Which I feel is okay as it was only the two of us, we weren't having a wild party and it was far too cold (like -8C!) to let off the remainder of the fireworks.

Great news follows with the purchase of tickets to Jeff Dunham!! Yay! Bring on Feb 15th! I'm so very excited about seeing him and the gang live, seriously, I all ready know it'll be worth every penny. Unfortunately the ticket which didn't happen was the one to Canada. I held off too long in sorting it out and as a result I now don't have one. Which I have to admit sucks pretty bad because I really was looking forward to heading to Ottawa for a while. I guess these things just aren't meant to be, right?

The weather in general hasn't been too bad. When we arrived back in Kentucky it was freezing, but it actually warmed up a bit (well it went above zero and up to around 10C) and now it's gone back down again. It snowed for a little while this morning, but not enough to stick.

Plans are starting to take shape for the big trip to Washington DC to see the President Elect sworn in. We know where we are staying, Erin did tell me but I don't remember right now . . . and I'm excited just to be going really! With lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of other people of course. I'll be there when History is made and that's pretty awesome.

We've been able to catch up with Maggie as well since returning to KY. Twice in fact. The first time we rescued her from boredom and she helped to bake cookies. The second time was legendary Pesto Pizza at Mellow Mushroom followed by some post-Christmas shopping which is always fun when you're in the crowds. I found a mega, uber cool X-Files book and Erin got a new puppet which even now I stand by the idea it had coffee on it!!

Now that the new year has arrived, its time to get serious about things. Time to think forward to whats coming, even if I can't be sure of too much of what is happening. Point is, something will. Until then, I am happy to have a little fun and explore a little. Rest up and work at the same time. Believe me, it can be done.

3330 Miles

That's the total sum of distance we drove from Los Angeles into Lexington to return the car. Which in itself was a story because the return point is listed as Lexington Bluegrass Airport. Now you see, the thing about Lexington Airport is its maybe twice the size of Wynayrd Airport, plus some. So it's not real big. So it's really hard to get lost in. Not that we got lost. But we soon discovered that the return point may have been listed as Lexington Bluegrass Airport, but the location was actually off site and we had to follow a shuttle bus to goodness knows where in Lexington. All I can figure out it, that it was actually no where near Lexington Bluegrass Airport. These people are on Frosty's side. They're all a pack of liars.

So I have missed a great bunch of time and out last few location. I actually have an offline entry on my laptop that I wrote on our night in Chattanooga, Tennessee because I couldn't pick up wireless for some stupid reason in the room we moved to. Always a great adventure on that last night to be had, I'm sure. Basically there were toilet issues and we had to shift rooms. That's all I am saying.

Anyways, that last day on the road was probably a good thing. It was high time to get out of the Van and walk and be in a house. We stopped just before the Kentucky boarder and spent a bunch of USD on some pretty awesome looking fireworks which I have to tell you I'm rather excited about lighting. I can't help it, maybe there is a small strain of pyromaniac in me.

Alas we are back home in Richmond, Kentucky. And it really is a beautiful state. I just love the scenery and the small town feel of the place. That you can be in the middle of nowhere and there is a huge massive world out there and you can just put your head in the ground and ignore it. I really love it. Hence it's been a while since I wrote. It's been a blur of catching up on sleep, unpacking, getting ready for Christmas and freezing my arse off. Seriously guys. Today is the first time is gone above zero since returning. I even feel last night on some bricks out back (twice mind you) and I can assure you it's not fun. It hurts!

That aside, I went shopping for some warm gloves and a super cool but way too warm jacket. It's multiple layers and makes me look like a marshmallow man or something. Its rather hilarious. But certainly it'll be needed when we head North to Minnesota in February, and very much so when I head to Ottawa at the end of January to see Erin M. Yay! I even have long johns. It's scary. I'm an Australian, we don't even know how to wear these things! Or at least I've never had to.

So it's Christmas in Australia and Sandi takes prize as sending me the first SMS of the holiday. At 1am in the morning, what on earth are you doing up that early girl!! But thanks, the sentiment and thought is much appreciated because it's going to suck to wait another 24 hours to open presents. I can't help it, I'm a kid at heart :-)

Thus today, December 24th, will consist of baking, present wrapping and rescuing Maggie from her void of boredom which seems very Maggie like since I imagine that it's rather weird not to be thinking about study all the frigging time. Rest assured my friend, time with me will always be entertaining!!

Anyways, I think that just about does it at the moment, time to start the day, more so that just waking up and having breakfast and a cup of Yoga Tea. Its raining now.

The Last Leg

Its our last night on the road. Its been a long trip. It'll be good to get out of the car. I've experienced a real life Road Trip of long proportions across several states from West to South to South East. Phew, lots to see and experience. Tonight we rest our heads in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Friday we drove across the rest of Mississippi, crossing into Alabama and further still into Georgia, spending the night in Atlanta. One thing I have noticed about big city America is that there is a theme of confusing roads and that usually includes a six lane freeway at some point!! I liked Atlanta even if most of it was seen in the dark and in the rain.

Today, Saturday, we were in Atlanta for the morning and early afternoon, seeing a puppet show about a love struck snowman and wandering around the Puppetry museum there. They even had the original KOB puppet on display. But the pretty cool thing was they had Big Bird there! Yep, in a display case as though he had jumped off the TV screen and into the museum. It was great!

The last night on the road has had drama. Issues with a toilet which lead to it overflowing which has resulted in us moving rooms and now dealing with a smoking room smell. Crap. And that's only a part of it! Oh wells. Tomorrow its back to Richmond, Kentucky and back to the Gow household and the comfort and warmth it holds waiting for us. Woohoo!

Erin read Twilight, that new book everyone seems to be reading and talking about. I've not a clue. It took me like five years to catch onto the Harry Potter phrase so you know. . . Anyways, we been wandering into places to buy the second book in about three different states, if not more! That in itself has been an adventure.

Anyways, its late and Mrs Bucket is on the TV so I am going.

Entering the Deep South

Well here I sit in Jackson, Mississippi and it's so humid outside! Goodness me! It was like the moment we crossed the Mississippi River from Louisiana to Mississippi the humidity went through the roof!!

Its been interesting to watch the landscape change again. Though the last of three days in Texas was kinda foggy and this afternoon across Louisiana got sort of misty too . . .but you can see subtle changes. I guess the changes have more been in the people. From Hispanics to, well I guess African-Americans is the politically correct term these days. I'm not a racist, far from, but suddenly I'm much more aware of my skin colour which up until now hasn't really been a conscious though. But let me go back a few days.

Tuesday morning we left Odessa, Texas. I left off talking about the Globe Theatre. Well by the time we left (it seriously took us an hour to get out of that place, we thought we'd remain there our whole life!!) we came across not only Shakespeare's Globe, but a scaled replica of Stone Henge! It was hilarious!! Eventually we found our way out of Odessa and hit the road again. Nothing major happened between there and Dallas, only that Dallas and Fort Worth are about 30 miles apart but they sprawl and mix in the centre. That place was huge!! And the traffic and roads in the dark are majorly confusing!!

That night I was introduced to another American Eatery -Denny's. I have to admit, I'm not hugely inclined to go back. I mean the food was nice and all and the pumpkin pie was yummy, but I don't know. It sorta creeped me out a little bit. Maybe it was that particular one.

Oh my gosh, third night running the cartoon version of Survivor is on Cartoon Network and I'm not too sure how much more I can handle. Its so stupid but Erin and Nancy love it. I don't know why!! Its on at the moment and they're laughing and oh my gosh, is it any wonder I've been playing games on the computer in the evening?!!

Anyways, Dallas was freezing and we woke in the morning to a mist and light rain. Visibility wasn't really good so it made driving on those mad highways even worse! At one point I counted five layers of roadway piling skywards. Shoot it was crazy. We ventured to a Mc Donalds built like a Happy Meal but was all very posh inside (totally bizarre!) and then we continued on to Texas Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys which was pretty cool. The guy who signed us in said Yáll about three times which just cracked my up (not to his face mind) and we went into the Pro-Store and saw lots of mad things to buy.

The rest of the drive to Shreveport, Louisiana was in fog so we really didn't see too much. We actually arrived in Shreveport in daylight which made a nice change! We stayed at Diamond Jacks Casino which was an interesting experience and a huge room! Seriously, the bathroom part would have been as big as the bedroom part!! And brightly coloured too. But totally cool. The casino was kinda lame, but the main activity of the night was catching up with Shanna and Phillip and finally meeting Anna-Claire! And how adorable is she?! And just a cute baby! And totally mad about Shanna. You can see it when it beams across her face. We ate at a Steak House on the Boardwalk which in itself was a really interesting place down along the river. Its sort of set up like shops on a street, but there are no cars down there and kinda like an outdoor shopping centre. But it was all festive and we even saw Santa on a tram.

Today, Thursday, we stopped for some Mini-Golf in Bossier City before hitting the road again. I won!! Ha!! But 4 strokes, but I won! So the Chattanooga Challenge will be on and a chance for Gow Snr to re-claim her title of winner!! Anyways, it was misty again today and slightly humid, but like I said, big time once we crossed the river. Drove a little around Vicksburg and saw some lovely old homes and the place where Coca-cola was first bottled. There were even casinos on the river too!!

Anyways, I have some Ben and Jerry's calling my name so I should go and answer it. Traveling across America in a car has been an interesting experience, its a good chance to learn more about me, Nancy and Erin too! Oh and Sealy, who seems to be my outlet of someone to talk to when I get bored. She always answers.

Tomorrow, we head to Atlanta, driving across Alabama in the process.

Miles and Miles

The desert has changed again. This evening I find myself in Odessa, Texas, after spending last night in El Paso and traveling through New Mexico to get there. Eventually I did fall asleep in Phoenix, some hours later we were late getting up and leaving for the day. Oh wells, we can do that once in a while!

Yesterday I felt like all we did was drive, because in the grand scheme of things, that's exactly what we did. Shortly after leaving Phoenix, we pulled into a rest stop and ended up doing a little shopping from some local Indians. I purchased some jewelery and Nancy some pottery. Its beautiful. Back on the road we passed more and more mountains of Arizona. You'd think I'd get sick of it, but the scenery is forever changing and the mountains are just stunning.

Before leaving Arizona we stopped at The Thing, one of those roadside gimmicks that just suck you in for paying $1 and unsure of what you are going to get. The gas station was just a small part of it (coupled with a Dairy Queen). Erin decided to sit the experience out, so Nancy and I paid our $1 and ventured out to see The Thing, following giant yellow footsteps. well basically it was three sheds of really old 'things' which was hilariously bad and we were in stitches. We'd been in anticipation of The Thing for some 30 miles. I guess it was a welcome distraction and in a bad kinda way was well worth it!

Crossing over into New Mexico I became more aware of the number of cargo train on the train tracks. I guess that's because the Interstate was a lot closer to the train tracks than it had been in the previous states. The landscape changed a little, more red and orange sand than anything else. And big boulders. About half way through our trek across New Mexico, we stopped at Shakespeare, a ghost town just off the interstate. It was actually closed, but we took a few photos as dusk fast approached. Shortly before the boarder, we stopped at Cracker Barrel for dinner and oh my gosh I had forgotten just how much I love the food there! Could have done without the spoilt child screaming but oh wells, these things happen.

By 8pm we'd crossed over the boarder once again, this time arriving in Texas. Yes, El Paso was the stop for last night in a somewhat, lower scale hotel than we'd been staying in! Don't get me wrong, it was clean and all, it just felt, well, creepy. That and you could hear just about everything going on next door or up stairs.

This morning we woke a little late again missing breakfast provided by the hotel which probably wasn't a bad thing. Thus I was introduced to IHOP. International House Of Pancakes. Crickey the menu was mind boggling!! Spanish became a lot more fluent in the people around us and everything printed is suddenly duel language. This is because Mexico is so very close. That and a lot of the South has a high population of immigrants. Anyways, over breakfast we made plans for the day.

First stop, Tony Lama's. Yep, I went and bought a pair of cowboy boots and they are so friggin awesome!! The bottom part is brown and the top part is green and that sounds totally gross but they are so not! The store was massive and had a large range of boots to choose from. Who'd have thought working out shoe size could be so complicated! From getting the boots, we travelled down along the Boarder Highway, looking across into Mexico and being in the shadow of the brown fence which separates the two countries. Its crazy. About 40 miles from El Paso all the traffick was diverted off the Interstate for a secutiry check to make sure vehicles weren't harbouring illegal immigrants. Its so weird.

Pretty much today we just drove. Texas (or this part of it) is rather flat and boring. Yes more desert, but at least the other states have had some elevation and tumble weeds in it.

Odessa is a lot bigger than we thought it would be. Taking a wrong turn actually took us the long way to our hotel and it felt like we'd left the town!! Rumour has it there is a copy of Shakespeares Globe here in town. Perhaps we'll check that out tomorrow before leaving for Dallas.

Restless nights in Phoenix

I can't sleep. Erin would tell me its because there is something on my mind which is why my brain won't switch off. Personally, I don't think it's that. I'm just sure my mind wants to constantly be on the go because it has ADD or something. That's just how it is sometimes. So our room at Hyatt Place is pretty cool I have to admit. Sorta dark at the moment, but very comfy! There's a lot of noise around, well background noise which just seems amplified at the moment. Simply because I can't sleep. People out in the hallway (are they having a HA party out there?!) and the traffic going by. Even at this ungodly hour of the morning.

Speaking of God, we drove along on the way to somewhere (very descriptive, I know) and the ten commandments were posted sign by sign. I always think what you see along the side of the road is a good reminder that you are in America. Its endlessly amusing. I wonder if we shall indeed see some fork cactus today?

Do you know how incredibly hard it is sitting here knowing I have a 42"plasma in the same room with 30 channels of who knows what and know that I can't put it on?! Ohh I hear rustling, maybe someone else is awake?

Nope, seems not. *sighs* oh well I can live in hope right?! Speaking of TV, we caught a bit of a show called How Things Work and they were talking about the Turkey industry here in America. Some interesting facts: Five months is the lifespan of a turkey bred to eat. All the turkey's are artificially inseminated, the males and females never mix. Turkey farms pump out on average 250 million turkey's a year, which equates to approx 1 per person. Americans eat about 17 pounds of turkey per person each year.

That's pretty sad. Its like 3am and I've driven across some amazing parts of the country all ready and all I can think about is turkey? Hmmm maybe I am hungry. I might go rustle me up some snacks!

Land of Scenery

Desert has been a running theme the past few days. After leaving Vagas it felt like we drove through miles and miles of it, because in all honesty, that's what we did. The excitement came when we discovered that we were to cross the Hoover Dam which I have to admit was very cool indeed. Busy, and cool too. They're building a bridge across the gorge (if that's what it's called??) and Nancy was rather excited about that. Erin just thought she was insane. I just wanted to take a photo knowing that one day it would be a famous landmark.

Sometime later into Arizona we realised that we were in a spot of bother. We were running out of fuel!! I tell you what, for a nation which thus far has blown my mind with the number of exits on the interstate and the sheer number of gas stations and take out places you can find on those exits, it was some 100 miles until we came to a gas station at Kingman in Arizona! I can tell you, that great van pulled into the place on the smell of a rag. OMG it was freakin scary! Though in there I managed to run over a tumble weed which was rather atmospheric I have to admit. The desert just isn't the desert without tumble weed.

Gassed up we continued onto the next great destination. The Grand Canyon. With a late start and several stops under our belt, we didn't arrive in the National Park until after dark. However, I saw the most stunning sunset I have ever seen. It was simply stunning. I saw a beauty I've never seen before, it was magic, really it was.

This morning, Saturday morning, Nancy and I were up at 7am to take a short walk to the South rim of The Grand Canyon to see the sun come up. Having not see the Canyon the day before, I really wasn't sure what to expect. But it took my breath away. It was freezing, I tell you that much! But silent and open and just . . .WOW. It was well worth it and just so beautiful. I can't even put it into words. It left me breathless. Quite literally.

An hour later we got some well needed warm coffee (oh so good!) and returned to the room. We spent the better half of today going to various look out points across the Canyon, stumbling upon a wedding in the process! Fancy getting married on the edge of the Grand Canyon! Seriously, if you only go one place in Arizona, let it be there. Amazing. Beautiful. Stunning. Breathtaking. Around Noon we found Desert View and caught a glimpse of the Colorado River and the freezing air around it.

Hitting the road again, we went through more desert, this time more like what I was expecting to see. The wind was insane though. The strongest I have even encountered in my life. We stopped at a Native American Indian roadside stall type of thing and the wind nearly broke the door off its hinges. driving further along still, we spied a sand storm in the distance which was rather cool. We drove through Navajo and Anasazi area and finally into Flagstaff where we ran into snow! It was awesome!! It snowed for quite some time after that and was bitterly cold, obviously. Arizona has been such a stunning state to drive through and we'll see more of it tomorrow. I think we've spent all the drive (or at least 90%) in Arizona at an elevation of 3000 feet or more! Seriously!

This evening we're settled in Phoenix, where we arrived after dark, yet again. As darkness fell it was pointed out that there were fork cactus out there in the darkness. I so hope we see some tomorrow!! It's a long day on the road, our longest so far. About eight hours we think. So tonight we shall sleep well, get an early night followed by an early start. So I should be off!

On The Open Road

Its been an amazing few days. Seriously. I can't think of any other words. Okay maybe I can. Bizarre and awesome and incredible and mind boggling. I feel like the last three days have had so much packed into them that it's no wonder I'm feeling a tad on the tired side.

Now, I left off at Disneyland I believe. Upon reflection, the place does seem to have a somewhat magical appeal to it. However, Thursday morning we picked up the hire car. Nancy and I made the journey to John Wayne Airport in Orange County to pick up the mini van. Yep, a white Dodge Grand Mini Van. Believe me, we need it with the amount of luggage we have and how much we are picking up along the way. On the way there we got stuck in the morning peak hour traffic (we were on a shuttle bus) and I tell you now, you've nothing to complain about when you consider we were stuck in six lanes (going one direction!!) of traffic jam pleasure. It was insane.

So we jump into the van, play with all the gadgets and go ohh and ahh over all the cool things it does (and believe me, there are many) and off we go, back to Anaheim, our luggage and Erin. Santa was down in the lobby area upon our return which was pretty cool. Some time later, a lovely person with a luggage trolley helped us load the van and we were on our way to Las Vegas!!

I've never actually seen the desert before, and in the past few days I've seen how much it varies. We crossed the Mojave Desert in the early afternoon. Its rather strange and stunning in a stark kind of way. Our stop came at a small place called Baker where we saw the worlds biggest Thermometer (the gift shop was closed) and a very corny place called Alien Jerky which was merely for my benefit and totally worth the stop, even if it was only for a laugh and a few small souveneers.

Late Afternoon we crossed into Nevada. You're driving along as the sun is going down, through the desert and as soon as you hit the state line, BAM, there's a huge casino with lots of flashing lights and mega huge roller coaster. It was at this point I was like bouncing around with energy because it seemed to be taking FOREVER to get to Las Vegas. Driving along pass more mountains and sand and rocks and then suddenly, there it is. In the dusk this mass of lights and buildings and cars and its just crazy. And as soon as you lay your eyes on it, Vegas just sort of sucks you in. It casts its magic on you. It was all so exciting!! And of course you can see our hotel, The Luxor, from ages away, the big pyramid and Sphinx gives it away, or maybe it's the huge beacon that shoots up from its point into the sky . . .

Its hard to really talk about Vegas. Its just so overwhelming. I guess it's like a hangover. It's a great journey and fun at the time, but you wake up the next morning and wonder what the hell you were thinking the night before. Just to clarify, I did not get drunk, married or win the jackpot. Rather I had a light beer, went on a roller coaster and lost about $30. But that amused me right up until midnight, which I was determined to reach just to not pike it in Vegas, unlike two Gow women I know. So yes, I played some one arm bandits and we ate at New York New York after riding the terrifyingly awesome roller coaster on its roof. Friggin hell, it was worth the $14 I paid!! After dinner the three of us walked as far as the Bellagio, at which point Erin and Nancy went back to the hotel and I walked the remainder of The Strip, stepping in and gambling at some of the biggest named Casinos Sin City has to offer. It was all a blur of noises and lights and people. Needless to say I returned and went to bed on very tired tourist. And it's no wonder I had weird dreams that night.

Friday morning I woke and looked out the winder of our 16th floor spa room to realise that Vegas is dull during the daylight. It really is a bunch of buildings in the middle of the desert. Its incredible the difference from the night time. Utterly incredible.

Starbucks was down in the lobby so after a stop for breakfast and some last minute gambling to wash down with the coffee, we headed back to the van and continued upon our journey.

Looking back I can't really figure out why I was so excited to get there. I mean it was great and one of those experiences that you just have to have and well, experience, but it doesn't leave a glowing impression on me. Its like the lights and the glitz and the glamour all faded away with the bizarre set of dreams I had that night.

The Wonderful World of Disney

Its one of those pilgrimage places for some people. Disneyland is a place I've been to before, back in 2001 with my SOAR buddies, before the place was prettied up for it's 50th birthday celebrations. I have to admit, you can see the difference, which is nice. This time it felt a little more magical.

Having been to California Adventure the day before, you can see vast differences. Namely in the crowd. And it had nothing to do with the weather, despite it being winter I do believe I've got a little tan line all ready. In California the crowd was as expected when you take into account that it's off season. Disneyland however was packed! Seriously, I remember it being really busy that hot July back in 2001, but aside from the fact it was a lot cooler, it still could have been summer. I guess the place really can be packed year round.

So I only ended up getting a photo with one character. Which is fine really, it was Goofy and he rocks. It just seemed like too much effort to wait in line for a character photo when I could wait in line for a ride. Crap, there were some good ones too! I have to said either Thunder Mountain or Indiana Jones were my favs. Splash Mountain was closed because someone broke it (there were still people stuck in it!!) and well, I think we did just about most others.

It was a hell of a long day. The ankles are starting to ache badly, well there were last night and this morning I've just sort of fallen from the bed to the floor because I couldn't sleep and here I am. I've not actually stood up yet. But it's all been worth it.

On the way into the park yesterday morning (yesterday was Disneyland) we saw a very cute humming bird in the Birds of Paradise plants which are everywhere. They are beautiful. Oh and I never got to go on the very cool looking water slide here at the hotel because it was closed by the time I got down there. But despite the hour, there were a heap of people in the pool and hot tub.

Kids here are very amusing and so animated, its been great fun watching them all. Today we pick up the hire car and hit the road. Las Vagas here we come!!

From Hollywood to Anaheim

Right now I sit at the desk of our hotel room in the Paradise Pier Hotel which is a part of the Disneyland Resorts. The weird thing is that I am near an air vent and I can hear a baby crying. I'm hoping that my theory that it's travelling up from another room is correct and that there isn't actually a baby in the venting system.

Phew, it's tiring being a tourist! Yesterday we spent day two in Los Angeles, though it was really day one of sightseeing because the day prior to that we stayed mostly in just to try and get our heads in the right time zone. So we made the journey out to Hollywood Boulevard, just on an hour on the train system which in itself is rather interesting and has been creating using good space between the direction lanes on the highways as opposed to having a median strip down the middle. At least they didn't have to clear more land. Los Angeles is an interesting place, and much more Spanish feeling than I expected it to be. Kinda old too. As for Hollywood Boulevard, it wasn't what I was expecting. Much more old and seedy than you would think. In the grand scheme of things its not all that glitzy and there are lots of people trying to give you maps to famous peoples home. I think I stand by my initial thoughts of Los Angeles back in 2001, it's not really a place I'd come back to. It just doesn't feel right.

However, it was fun pointing out the names on the stars even if we didn't see all 2000 of them! Graumans' Chinese Theatre was pretty amazing, some of the hand and foot prints are a good two or three decades old. There were people out the front dressed up as Batman and Elvis and a few others. Just there for the tourists really. I can't imagine what the place would be like in the summer when traffic through there is much higher. What a nightmare.

Heading back into downtown, I made a pilgrimage to a place called Casey's Irish Bar and Grill which for most people means nothing. However, for my Phile friends this is the bar that was used in filming several scenes in Fight the Future. OMG!!! We stayed and had a beer and dessert and I took photos and was all in awe of it. It was just so . . . surreal but totally mega cool and Erin got me a shirt for Christmas which was just the bestest thing. Again, it'll me nothing to the average person walking along the street who sees me in it, but as for me . . .score!

Night two at La Quinta was a quiet one with some early dinner (ohh Taco Bells for fast food Mexican) and a viewing of Mrs Doubtfire which was on TV. That and some totally old school Family Feud which I haven't seen in many years and never the American version.

This morning I woke the others up in order to get moving. We had to change hotels and get out to Anaheim (where the Disneyland Parks and Resorts are) and get into California Adventure!! I missed going there back in 2001 so I wanted to go this time around. I was very impressed with my efforts. We were on the bus from LAX to Anaheim at 9:30. Go me.

California Adventure is kinda like Disney in the city. It's not quite Disneyland, and has some cool stuff in it, but its missing something. However, went on a super cool roller coaster twice (one in daylight, one in twilight) and the log rides and all sorts. Did a little shopping, took a few photos (not as many as you guys would think) and just walked around a lot. It was kinda busy, but again certainly nothing compared to how the summer would see it.

We had to walk through the Grant California Resort in order to get to the guest entrance to the resort. Of my gosh it was like walking into a real Alpine Resort. It was stunning. Seriously. Our hotel is ocean themed and even the little bottles of shampoo etc have black lids on them which have Mickey Mouse ears sticking out the top. Its very cool. Am over hearing Christmas Carols all ready, and Americans talking at me is such a jarring experience. I think I'll be glad to get on the road and get away from big city America.

In saying that, tomorrow we head into Disneyland. The actual original park. It'll be good. This time round I think I'll be a lot more conscious and less tired and up for a bit more fun! We can actually see the fireworks from our hotel out on the swimming pool balcony with the cool water slide. Which reminds me, I was going to try that out!! I'm outta here!

Touchdown In Los Angeles

Check it out, it's 6 something in the morning and I am awake! Not too bad when you consider that I usually wake around that time at home for work and it's actually 1:52am, so my laptop tells me.

Finally we made it to the USA. The last few days have been a blur. Quite literally. I know at some point we spent our last night in our unit, cleaned and bit and spent some time smelling like chlorine. I can't tell you now, the excitement the man shows in the Easy Off Bam commercial, it's all fake. I had no where near the same amount of joy from that product. False advertising if you ask me.

This brings us to shifting to my aunt and uncles for the last three nights. Yet more of a blur of re-packing, little sleep and lots of details. My car was handed over to my brother (sniff sniff, I'll miss you babe, you've been so great to me) and we had moments of wonder just how much we'd pay for excess baggage. Soul Mama's on Saturday was somewhat disappointing in the sense that many people were coming, but not many actually did. If I am honest, that seems to be the story of my life! I have to admit that I can't actually be disappointed, in the past two years here I really haven't settled too much back into life here and thus don't have a social following as such. Point is that it was yet another confirmation that the big heave -ho overseas is a right choice to make.

Yesterday, Sunday, seemed to go on forever. Which is probably correct because it probably lasted something like 40 hours. I can't do that maths right now. Our flight was late because the Qantas engineers had found an issue with the seal on the door so we didn't board until 1:30 when we were actually supposed to take off at 12:10. Personally, I didn't have an issue. I'm glad they found the problem on the ground before we had to take off. I still maintain that they're a safe airline, no one has died yet and planes have been landed safely. And they're service is still perfectly fine.

And so the 14 hours and 20 minute journey across the ocean began. Oh. My. God. It was long. I had back pain and couldn't sleep which is something I haven't been getting a lot of lately so it was just all bad. I felt like it was going forever!! However, I managed to squeeze in three screenings of I Want To Believe (Squee!!!) plus some Simpsons, Are You Being Served, some CSI and the start of Wanted, which lost my attention about 40 minutes in. Oh wells. Thus, we landed!

My past experiences going through LAX have mostly consisted of blurs trying to catch connecting flight, having me stressed out in the immigration line because I'm running very late. However, as that pain in the butt Murphy would have it, I had no connecting flight, thus the process of going through immigration, collecting bags, clearing customs and leaving the airport was done in one hour. Typical!

We had a lot of luggage. Four checked bags ranging from smallest to largest, weighting 17kg, 21kg, 25.6kg and 31.7kg. Thank goodness for combining weight between bags!! Plus being ladies, we had a 'hangbag' each, plus a jacket, then a backpack each, I had my pillow and Erin had the Laptop bag. Needless to say we had a lot for two people to carry. But we made it!

Los Angeles was like landing back in Melbourne on an overcast but humid day. Seriously. Lots of cars, loud people and take out places. Even now the traffic going past is kinda heavy.

Erin is waiting for me to breakdown and cry. She won't accept the fact that I'm likely not to, not in the way she is expecting me to. I don't feel like crying because in the grand scheme of things, I'm not sad about leaving Australia. Partly because I've done it before (so in theory I'm good for the next 17 months!) and partly because I feel this is the best choice for me. As I said, I really haven't settled in the two years being back at home. Yes, there are a small group of people I will miss, but the world is a lot smaller than most people think it is. And with technology these days, its smaller still.