Time to Catch Up

Sorry for my hiatus from the blog, but I just couldn't be bothered (my new favorite Australian saying, for when you don't feel like doing something, "can't be bothered" :) ) and in all seriousness I have been keeping pretty busy.

I re-read my last blog post and realized almost all of what I had written needs to be disregarded because Australia had different plans for me...I was once told by a wise man (Kieran) that whatever plans you make here, never work out, but in turn something unexpected happens and it just works.  Let me begin to explain....

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and Happy New year and that 2011 finds you all healthy and happy :).  My Christmas didn't go quite as planned, but it worked out perfectly.  Kie and I decided to go to his cousin Brendan and Sean's house for a massive (another adopted Australian word) feast they hosted with all of Kie's cousins and aunt and uncle.  (Background- Kie had never met his family here until he came to Australia 2 years ago).  We had a barbie with every type of meat you could imagine and heaps (another Aussie term) of sides and desserts!  I tried pavlova (a popular Australian dessert) for the first time.  It was very sweet but good!  Kie's family is wonderful.  He has many 2nd cousins, but 2 younger ones, Shawny (8) and Holly (5).  We brought Shawny a purse and a necklace and gave Holly a dress up kit.  They are adorable!  His family gave me a box of chocolates and a bottle of chardonnay--so unexpected and so thoughtful!  It is funny how I realized how I forget (or maybe I intentionally block out) what it feels like to be around family.  It is hard to explain, but it is a warmth that I love, and it feels good to feel like a little part of a family here, so far away from home :).

Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) we had decided to have our Berwick Chrissy.  I took the job of peeling potatoes! It turned out delicious and I found out I have became a fan of yorkshire pudding.  Yorkshire pudding is something the English, Kie and Tony, traditionally eat at Christmas.  I can only describe it as a croissant marries a biscuit!  I think I may add that to my personal Chrissy traditions :).

Now, I know what you are thinking, 'Didn't Ash have to work Boxing Day?,' and indeed I did, but the Australian spirit (aka the beach) got the best of me, and I took a personal leave of absence from Moods.  Very out of character for me, but the Holiday part of Working-Holiday took over! (but this all works out in the end I promise...keep reading...).  So we (Kie, Tony, Bridie & I) had spent the next few days before new years at the beach.

Bridie, Tony and kie with our Frisbee 

Bridie and I working on our tan

Sunset at the Seaford Beach

On New Year's eve, we spent the day at the beach and the night in the city!  We went to the Crown casino, and when I say Casino it was full of restaurants, clubs, bars and even your designer stores. (The pics are all on Tony's camera and I will need to get them soon!).  We rang in the new year with a bang, although they do not celebrate with balloon drops and confetti nor do they play, 'ol lang syne,' but nonetheless it was a great time!

So after New Years, I had began to make plans to travel to Western Australia.  The beaches are suppose to be incredible.  I tried to book my plane tickets on 3 different occasions, but as you can guess, plans never work out.  For whatever reason, I had difficulty using my banking card online and just as I was about to take my 10 min walk to the bank, I received a phone call from the temp agency offering me a job with regular M-F hours and more pay!  I had to accept!  So now, I am the proud employee of Hallmark Headquarters in Australiasia!

The first day on the job, while I was waiting to meet my supervisor, Nardia, I began reading about the history of Hallmark.  I had known the HQ were in Kansas City, but I didn't realize the Hall family was originally from Nebraska!  My hometown connection :).  Sometimes I joke around and pretend I am a spy from HQ in the U.S.  My role is, Support Services Coordinator, and I do basic admin work and also help cover the receptionist.  I am filling in a role for my new Australia friend, Jacoba, who has moved temporarily to another department.  As fate would call it, Jacoba is an Australian who loves Americans.  Hard to believe, but not every Australian Loves Americans :).  Jacoba is actually heading back to the States for the 2nd time in April!  She plans to go to NY, Niagra, Boston area and then to LA.  (Although I am from the States, I have unfortunately not traveled as extensively in the states, and it makes me useless to her to tell her where to go or tips, so if any of you are familiar with those areas and have suggestions, please send them my way so I can pass them to Jacoba :) ).  Jacoba is also thinking about getting her working holiday visa in the U.S. next year!  She has completely taken me under her wing and has made me feel so comfortable at Hallmark.  She has even introduced me to Tim Tams (australian cookie), and I have been told that now I am officially Aussie once having a Tim Tam.  They are chocolate heaven with a cup of tea!  Yes, I do drink tea now....In fact, we have tea time everyday at 10:30 and then afternoon tea at 2:30! Oh, how I love Australia!

After my first week on the job, Jacoba had invited me to come over to her house after work Friday.  We had some "nibbles" and wine on her patio, then we got ready to go to a concert.  I went to see my first Australian band, Thirsty Merc!  It was a great time!  This weekend I plan to meet Jacoba just outside the city at an Irish pub for one of her friend's birthdays.

Last weekend Kie and I decided to go to Sorrento Beach, along the peninsula of Melb.  It was gorgeous there!  The pictures don't do it justice.  The town is beautiful and quaint. We had lunch of fish and chips and calamari.  The calamari here is awesome!  Even Kie was never a seafood person, but i have made him a fan of calamari.

Sorrento Beach!

Kie and I enjoying the views of the beach

Sorrento

My attempt of capturing the town

The beach in Rye (on the way home from Sorrento)

Rye Beach

On the drive up the coast

On Sunday, we went to the city to hang out.  We ate lunch at a restaurant in one of those alley ways that I love.

Where we ate lunch

Another alley way that I love!

View of the city

On Wed., the 27th we celebrated Australia Day!  It is a bit like our Independence Day. From what I've gathered it is celebrating the first fleet of British that arrived in Australia, but more importantly a barbie is mandatory and the beach is strongly encouraged!  Kie, Tony, Bridie and I went to Mordiallic beach for a barbie of burgers, chicken skewers and sausages.  It was delicious!

Kie and me on the way to celebrate Aussie Day!

Mordiallic Beach!

The boys manning the Barbie

Bridie and me with our Aussie tattoos!

Kie and me celebrating Australian day in Australian Fashion!

Group photo!

Some more exciting news!  I have been contacted by an Australian family that is friends with a lady I worked with in Omaha, (Gale, if you are reading this--You Rock!!! Thanks for giving Sam my info :)!!!)  Sam and her family live in West Melbourne and we have made plans for brunch on Sun.,Feb. 20th.  I can't wait! She sounds amazing!  Kie and I are planning on going down Great Ocean Road (if you watched Oprah you would see it, if not you will just have to wait for my account :) ) and on our way back stopping to meet Sam and her family!

Alright, I am sure I am forgetting some other major info, but I am going to try my hardest from now on to keep this thing updated!  Right now though, the beach is calling me!! This weekend is suppose to get up in the 100s!!! (Don't worry mom I will go armed with my sunscreen!)  I look forward to hearing updates from back home!

I'll leave you with a few pics of what I have found funny in Australia...

Shopping Trolleys, not carts!

Drive thru "bottle shops"

They don't sell alcohol at "petrol" stations so they have these drive-thrus all around!

I love and miss you all!!!xx

Busy in Berwick

Things have been busy here in Berwick!  I have a job!!!  I have started work at Moods Restaurant and Bar, about a 20 minute walk from my house.  I had a "trial" last Thursday to see if I would become a Moods waitress.  After a spilled Chicken Parma (fun fact- it seems to be one of the most popular Australian dishes and served at almost every restaurant I have been to) all over the floor on an extremely busy night, I thought my trial may not have gone so well.  To my surprise, they were very impressed, I was told that it was refreshing to see I needed little direction and they loved my "pace."  I am coming to realize the American pace, is quite different from the Australian :).

The restaurant opens at 8 am and has a huge menu including delicious cakes, gelati and a full coffee bar (fun fact #2, Australians love their coffee before and after meals).  My first day of work was an extremely busy one, so I had to just jump in and figure out the computer systems and start taking orders.  The next day I had arrived to work, my manager said an employee had called in and we were short staffed and completely booked, but he was glad it was us working since I have a fast pace :).  I worked 12-5 and then was asked if I would come back to work 7-10.  I was also asked by the bartender if I could help her open the following day and work 7am-5pm.  It would be my first shift completely alone and my 3rd shift all together!  It was a success, besides the blisters on my feet.  I definitely need to get a good pair of shoes!  The owner had came in and saw how I was working and had mentioned to my Manager how he was impressed.  The bartender who opens had also asked the manager if I can always open with her because I am her new favorite employee!!  So, as nice as it was to not have to worry about a job, I am fitting in and I feel like I am helping out!  It also helps knowing I will start having some money coming in--It helps me rationalize spending it!

Last night, Kieran, Tony and I went shopping for our Christmas feast.  We went to a butcher and bought a turkey, ham and fresh bacon (Tony makes us amazing Butties--I think that is what they call them? in the morning--kind of like a bacon and egg sandwich).  We will start our morning with the Butty.  Then Bridie (Tony's girlfriend) has invited us to her Mom's house for Christmas lunch--I get to spend a Christmas with Australians!  Now, I know you are all thinking you can't imagine me cooking a Christmas dinner, but luckily Tony loves to cook and is quite good at it--so we will be in good hands!  It is weird to think Christmas is around the corner here--still no decorations around, no christmas lights and you can even find a parking space easily at the mall!  The Melbourne-VIC area has been having unseasonable weather--it has been pretty cold and rainy so I have yet to get a tan.  But, on Christmas it is forecast to be 28C, or 83F!  It is funny how as nice as 83 sounds, you always want what you can't have, and I think I will be quite envious of your white Christmas :).

We were all planning to go to Carols by Candlelight, a televised event in Melbourne.  People get blankets and battery operated candles and watch a concert.  It was hard trying to talk Kie and Tony into participating, but it is supposedly the biggest Christmas tradition this country has to offer so I was determined to do it!  Unfortunately, work has asked me to work Christmas Eve night, and I feel that it is only fair to allow people who actually have family here, spend Christmas Eve with family.  The weather is suppose to be very good Christmas Eve, so Bridie and I have decided to go to the beach during the day, so we can start on our tan for NYE!  When I get home from work, I should be able to join my Australian family, (Kie, Tony and Bridie) with drinks and board games.

I have also said I would work Sunday morning after Christmas, what they call "Boxing Day."  From what I have interpreted, it sounds a lot like Black Friday after Thanksgiving (fun fact #3, Black Friday in Aus is referenced to all the bush fires that happened last year).  On Sundays, Moods, has a brunch buffet.  All the food looks very good!

So now, I bet you are all wondering how disco ice skating went!  It was the Australian (Bridie), The English (Tony & Kie) Vs the American (me) on the rink, kinda like the figure skating Olympics.  The American, was off to a great start on the ice, and looked like victory would be hers...But then, after a few laps around, the Englishman, Tony, started getting fancy footwork and bringing back all the moves he use to do on roller skates.  OK, with taking home the Silver, I tried to do a funky disco move on the skates, a bit over confident I could do some goofy leg kicks, I fell on the ice.  Which now, according to the English and Australian conclude that the fall disqualifies me and makes it a loss for the Americans.  Sorry guys!  Next time!! :)

We (Kie, Eva, Bridie, Tony and I) went out to a night club on Saturday.  We had a lot of fun! As soon as i get the pictures from Eva's camera I can post some :).

I had taken pics of Berwick and my work to post, but unfortunately I deleted them when I tried to upload them.  I will try to add some later.  I hope all is well with everyone back home and know that I am thinking of you!  Lots of love and happiness this holiday season!  Merry Chrissy (fun fact #4, that is what the Australians say!).

Cheers Mates!

'Tis the Season

I started applying for a few other jobs today.  I plan to go to a temp agency next week to see if they can help me find some work.  The restaurant should be calling me sometime next week as well.  I hope I can get quite a few hours, but there are quite a few employees right now, so I want to make sure I have options.  In the meantime, I have been trying to find volunteer work.  While I was jogging the other day, I heard a dog behind a fence.  It all clicked, I could volunteer at an animal shelter!  After I had mapped out which bus to take for an hour long bus ride and then a walking route of 31 minutes after the bus (thank you google maps for providing walking routes!) I would find my nearest animal shelter.  They supposedly don't take volunteers...or American Volunteers...It wasn't going to deter me or to find somewhere else I could volunteer, 'tis the season to give back.  I was also thinking it would be a great way to stay busy and meet people.  Down the street from where I live is a retirement community.  I decided to try to go there to volunteer.  Yet again, I was told they do not accept any volunteers.  If it is this hard to find work I would do for free, I get scared I won't find a job that people will pay me for!  I am now even more determined to find a place that will let me volunteer :).

The past few days I have been keeping pretty busy with my roommates.  On Tuesday, Eva and I went shopping and then decided to see a movie, "Life as We Know it."  I know the movie has been out for several months in the states, I also know that I could probably view this movie in the states at a dollar theatre, while here, I paid $11 because Tuesday is their discounted night.  Movies are typically $15 here.  Nonetheless, we had fun!

On Wednesday, Bridie (Our roommate, Tony's, girlfriend), took me to Frankston Beach.  It is about a 30 minute drive.  We had plans to eat lunch al fresco at this cute bistro on the beach.  Unfortunately, when we started driving, it began pouring rain!  They say there can be all 4 seasons in one day here, I tell them I know all about that from back home :). It didn't stop me from trying to take my first picture this trip of the ocean!  It is our nearest beach from Berwick, so I am sure I will be visiting regularly.  They are also going to begin building huge sand sculptures there!

View of Frankston beach from the restaurant

Thursday, my roommate Justin and I, went to a town called Brunswick.  It is about an hour away and just a couple miles north of Melbourne.  Justin wanted to check out some vintage stores and also some record stores to add to his vinyl collection.  Brunswick is known to be multicultural, artsy and an alternative town.  Later that evening, Kieran, Tony, Bridie and I went to a karaoke bar--my first bar I have been to since I arrived!  We were all pretty tired, so we didn't stay out too late.

Brunswick, Justin refused to pose for a picture 

Back home, I have always enjoyed Christmas, but now I have found a new appreciation for Christmas.  It is the holiday that starts with a response letter from Santa (which Santa's letters have matured just like us kids over the years) and ends with Valentino's pizza and a game of Skittles...Where somewhere in-between, is grandma's house, grandma's waffles, laughter, family, more laughter, and more food.  It is always cold, often times with snow and always a Christmas Tree.  Kieran and I decided that this Christmas we will stick to tradition, and thus, we needed a tree.  We even got red bows and beads to try to replicate his tree from home.  This will be Kieran's 3rd year in Australia for Christmas, my first away from family.  Although it is perfect weather in Australia, the lack of cold & snow, along with the lack of Christmas lights and decorations doesn't make it feel much like Christmas.  Even the shops and malls aren't decorated.  We also decided we would make a traditional Christmas dinner with turkey, ham and some English traditions.  It will be our family meal: Eva, Tony & Bridie, Kieran and me.  Kieran and I continued the Christmas spirit last night with a home cooked meal and Christmas movies.  Tonight, we are going to keep in the groove, and go iceskating!  It is disco night at the rink!

Kie's and my Christmas tree

I hope everyone is enjoying family and friends--and Christmas lights!!!

Finding My Way

On Friday, I went up to Eightyone, the restaurant I am applying for a job at (I'll include a link below).  I spoke with the owner, Kathryn, and I was told I would be given a "run" in about a week or so.  I am still a bit nervous about starting a new job, but I am welcoming the idea of extra money and meeting new people.  There is also a hospital in walking distance from me that is hiring a receptionist.  As soon as I can find my resume, I plan to apply for that job!  It is 20hrs/week, but since the pay is so good out here, it would still be plenty of money and it would allow me to have time to be a tourist.

Later Friday evening, Kieran and I decided to have  a few drinks at the house.  Since, I have said goodbye to all my coworkers, friends, puppy, family...omaha...the united states..., I have kept a relatively strong facade, but I knew the inevitable would happen, The dreaded breakdown...  I am not really sure what even caused it, but I think everything had clicked.  My poor roommates got to see the flood gates open, and it took me awhile before I could shut them off... embarrassing to say the least, but they were all so nice to me.

Saturday, I decided to head back into the city, but this time I was with my two favorite tour guides, my roommates, Eva and Kieran.  The city has all sorts of alleys full of cafes and bars and shops.  I really do think Melbourne may be my favorite city of all that I had visited last year.  After grabbing lunch, we decided to find the tallest building in Melbourne, the Eureka Tower.  Once you reach the 88th floor you have a panoramic view of all of Melbourne.  Eva and I had decided to pay extra to go into a box with frosted glass that then extends out of the building and the glass turns clear! (Confusing I know, but the picture may help :) ).  We ended up going home Sat evening because our original plans to go to the ice bar fell through.  We intended on getting a group of people together, but there were scheduling conflicts.  It is now just something I can look forward to later!  We spent the rest of Saturday and Sunday relaxing.

Eva and me at lunch

Kieran and me in the city

In the city...We aren't really sure what is wrong with the water..

At the Eureka sky deck

Kieran outside the Eureka tower

Eva and me in "The Edge"- the glass cube that extends from the building

Today, Monday, I decided to venture out to the mall.  I needed to purchase a pillow and some black pants and button down shirts for work.  I don't know who Target thinks they are out here, $120 for pants?! CRAZY....Luckily, there were also cheaper ones, but c'mon, you're Target.  Maybe that is why K-Mart is the big deal out here?  There is also something called Big W, which I think may be a Walmart, but I have not checked it out yet.  I also noticed that they didn't really have any department stores here, the Targets and K-marts are their one stop shop.  I may try to venture to the beach tonight or my roommate, Justin, had invited me to meet his friend that is visiting from Perth.

I did try to tune into the Husker game yesterday, but I couldn't get a live feed since I am outside the U.S.  I had to keep checking the score and holding my breath.  That is too bad for the loss.  I think I may be a little homesick, I have noticed I like that I can count on an American movie being on tv so I can hear our accent.  I am starting to get confused of which way to drive seems right to me.  I obviously don't have the Australian way down, because everytime I go for a jog, I have to double check which ways to look before crossing the street.  But, I also think I may now be confused if I were to try driving if I were back in the states.  You should also see me trying to pass people when walking...We do a bit of a left-right-left dance before I can get around.

Well I will stop with the rambling; but it does help to get everything out.  I know that initially things are tough with an adjustment period, and soon I will begin to be getting a life back--no reliance on others, having a job, my own friends and my own things to do.  I am thankful for the support I have found in Kieran and the rest of my roommates. They are awesome!  I hope all is well back home! Love you!!!
eightyone :: fine food & wine :: restaurant, bar, Berwick, Victoria

Home Sweet Home!

So I landed in Melbourne, and sure enough my "mate," Kieran, was there to pick me up.  He took me to what I can now call my home, atleast for now, in Berwick.  The house I live in has 8 rooms for people to rent.  I am now the proud owner of room #7, which also happens to be my favorite number.  Right now we still have 2 open rooms if anyone decides to get adventurous and wants to move here!  My roommates are a Doctor from Sri Lanka (no one knew his name so they just call him Doctor....if I see him I will ask :).)  It is also nice to know I have a Dr. in the house just incase my accident prone self gets hurt!  There is also a girl named Eva; she is from Mauritius (French Island off the coast of Africa.  I live with 2 Australian guys, Cam and Justin and Kieran from Coventry, England.
When we arrived at the house Kie gave me a quick tutorial and then we ditched the bags and went to a superstore called Coles, a lot like a Walmart, and i purchased my Australian cell.  So now I can "bell" you (Aussie term for calling someone).
One of Kie's girl mates came over to meet me.  He thought it would be nice to introduce me to some girls I could become friends with.  Her name is Bridie, she is from Australia and was super nice.  We all went out and grabbed some dinner.  The whole day was a  bit overwhelming and it still has not sunk in that I really live somewhere so far from home, but Kie really did a good job making me feel comfortable and welcomed.
My roommate, Justin, works at a restaurant/bar that is suppose to be one of the nicest in Berwick.  He has talked with his manager and it sounds like they will hire me if I decide to stay in Berwick.  It is actually a restaurant that I would make a great wage, plus tips--I guess Australians do tip if it is a fancy or "posh" place.  I still am not quite sure what I plan to do, but I do need to make up my mind soon because money does not last too long around here!  A 6 pack of beer is $16!!!
I woke up early this morning and got my room organized.  I actually have a closet!  Then I had to venture to Melbourne alone to find my bank for an appointment.  My house is a 5 minute walk to the train station which is convenient, but today it was a 5 minute walk in the rain.  It is about an hour ride into Melbourne.  I actually found my way and to my bank relatively easy.  Melbourne looks like a really cool city, I guess it is known as the artistic city of Australia.  I didn't wander too far from where I needed to go for the simple fear of getting lost!  This weekend we are going to try to get a few of Kieran's friends together to go into the city and stay at the hostels.  I think we are going to an Ice Bar, named Chill On.  Supposedly, everything (the bar, the couch, the glass you drink from) is made out of ice!  It sounds cold, but a good way to remind me of Nebraska :)!

My house in Berwick

View from the entry way 

View of the Kitchen/Dining area and Seating area

The washing machine! and Ironing board, because....

There is no dryer!  I get to learn to hang my clothes on the line!  (stop laughing...)

The bathroom 3 of us share

My Bedroom!

The view of Melbourne when I exited the train staition!

Love you all!

Bon Voyage!

At SFO saying goodbye to my nephew puppy, Nugget

Entering the airport with the backpacks!

Well here I am, 42 minutes from boarding at the SFO airport to embark on my journey to Australia.

My intentions of this blog are to keep people informed on my adventures (particularly my mother :) ) without bombarding people's inboxes full of e-mails.  It is also a way for me to journal and keep my journey documented.  

Choosing my blogs name was a feat all in its own....But, I landed on A. Blueview, not only because it is my name, but because when you look out of a window of an airplane, typically it is a blue view and in the next several months I plan to be on many planes.  I also want this to be a place where I share my opinions, thoughts, feelings, "views," etc., as well as pictures of the views I will be seeing.

Tonight, I just said my final goodbyes to my brother and sister-in-law, and my nephew puppy, Nugget.  It still feels like I am only on vacation, and has not quite hit me that I am moving...to another country... (!!)  

For those of you that have talked to me the last several months know I have been hoping for a St. Christopher necklace.  St. Christopher is the patron St. of travel and is suppose to keep you safe.  Unfortunately, time has ran out and I never found my necklace.  But tonight, my Sister-in-law, Valerie, handed me a picture of St. Christopher to keep with me as I travel.  It meant a lot!  So now, I can rest assured knowing I have my man, Chris, with me :).

In the last few months I have began to get rid of all my belongings and possessions, I can now (as of a few hours ago!) finally say I have successfully packed the remainder of my belongings in my backpack!  3rd attempt is the charm!  Although, I do believe I will need to continue to eliminate more to make the backpack comfortable and have accessibility to the clothes I have packed!

Right now, my plan is to fly (14.5 hours to Sydney & another 2 hours to Melbourne) into Melbourne and meet a friend I had met last year when I traveled to Australia.  He lives in a city called Berwick, which is an hour outside of Melbourne.  I plan to rent for 2 weeks, a room in a shared accommodation house (where I will rent one of 8 bedrooms).  I only have to give a weeks notice on when I plan to move out.  When I arrive to Melbourne, it will be Wednesday at 11:20 a.m. (17 hour time difference from CST).  Hopefully, I will find my friend at the airport and we will take the train to Berwick.  There I can rest for my big Thursday of attempting to get back to Melbourne to meet with my bankers to receive all my banking information.  

Alright, I must start packing everything up, because with bags this full, it takes time to squeeze everything in!!  Stay tuned....When I repost, I will be an Australian migrant! Oh how I welcome Summer!!!