Rapunzel's Flowing Locks

Long time no update. Here goes a rundown of the last 2(ish) months... first semester is finished, which is nice- waiting on grades but I have high hopes. The school here is like a draconian caricature of what Hollywood imagines 1950's American boarding school is like (think dead poets society, I dont care if my dates are wrong, shush). But the breakdown is that every class has a final that is worth no less than 55% of the total grade, and they are, of course cumulative. FURTHERMORE, the classes are proctored by dried up old husks of humans who troll around the classroom ensuring that you don't have answers written on the inside of the label of your water bottle, and that your cellphone is not within 50ft. These (and more!) rules are written about 15 different times, explained by said human husks (with threats laced in for trouble-makers) so by the time you get your test you have forgotten you're not in jail. Ok it wasn't too bad, but it was a new experience. Good news however is that the law classes are all take-home essay finals and I am receiving exceptions for most of my business classes, but more on that later. The law final this semester consisted of a paper discussing the impact of the lack of a 'bill of rights' in the kangaroo constitution (I mean aussie). The reason I bring this up, is that there is really no way that the judiciary can review legislation upon merit in the australian system, so how can the rights of the people be protected?!?! Well long story short, the supreme court DID rule yesterday upon the civil rights of the 'bikies' (the adorable name they have given the hells angels, nomads, etc.) were being impinged upon by the government. About 2 years ago they enacted a law making it illegal to wear colors (gang stuff to you, if you're not Street like me), ride around in groups, and basically all the stuff it involves to actually be a bikie gang. So the law was found to violate their basic freedoms *(which are NOT guaranteed by the constitution). It's an interesting concept, and when I get my grade back I will let you know if I am full of shit, or I may know what I am talking about. Moving on.
Leah and I gained, and lost, then gained a roommate, so back to 3 of us in the apartment.(sans animal count of 3!!) We have a kitten:

her name is Chili and she came into SASH (Leah's work) at 3 weeks old, in some shitty comvination of hypoglycemic AND hypothermic coma with a heavy flea debt. But, she powered through it and from 400 grams she's nearly 1.5kg. (for my american homies that's like 60lbs or something) However! Just in case anyone is worried, here's an update from #1 best super pet The Sumlibat Bear Dog:

She is doing well by all reports, although I suspect she is getting spoiled relentlessly.
Other news, Leah has finished her masters and is on the hunt for a job. We're really going to push for it after next week, but we have a little vacation planned down to Batemens bay, where it's been averaging 1-2 degrees C. I am not feeling up to swimming at those temperatures, but there is plenty of hiking to do! Leah got a raise at her veterinary job, nice to be recognized for your efforts even if there is a new profession in the cards. (p.s. anyone who needs a masters of commerce distinction level employee I know where to find one!)
On my side it looks like I may have a job with a tech company here (thanks paul) so keep your fingers crossed. School doesn't start until August 2 so I am kind of at loose ends. (Read: broke!) Not really, but it will be nice to have money coming in.
Additionally I have spent this break working on my partner visa, which as some of you no-doubt know, is a process. Yesterday I went to the Newtown PD to get finger printed- you have to time it just right b/c their fingerprint machine is in their lock-up and you can only get fingerprinted (*without breaking the law) when no-one is in the holding cells. So I got a first class tour of the local pokey for only $42 dollars. That being done, my prints were signed and sealed by a police officer no less than 2m tall and sent off to the FBI to make sure I don't have any federal warrants (again fingers crossed those drug mule charges were dropped, right? JK mom).
So that leaves me with a wait of 'up to' 6 weeks to get my physical and for Leah and I to polish our(my) visa application. Basically that's about that for the visa- we went to a free information seminar at Mac yesterday about visas that didn't apply at all to partnership visas and was basically a sales pitch by a law firm, and the lawyer was so dry, boring, and pompous, AND spent much of the time playing 'cover my ass' about the information that I wonder about law as a profession. Even had any of the presentation been applicable to my situation there was not really anything that was not easily available on the interwebs.
We did however make the trip worth while as I was able to secure my first exception from a class. This doesn't sound like much, but at $3.5K a class I feel like I saved 3500 bucks yesterday. I have 7 more to go but, having met with the first exception officer, I am confident that I can get all the available credit. So yeah, yay for me right?
Ok, it's Saturday and Leah's off to work at noon and I am going to run the Iron Cove (sounds cooler than it is) so everyone keep your tips up!


Otherwise things are good. this post is long enough. good day

WINTER BREAK! almost.

I am starting this while i get ready for my last class before winter break. There is a lot going on, so let's see what I can get through. My parents will be here on Tuesday, I hope their flight is less hell than mine. Soccer is a no-go for this season, my legs are shot. My women's team is showing marked improvement but we are still searching for our first win, I hope to hunt it up this weekend. I have a solid offer to be a swimming instructor if I want it, still holding out for something more useful in the future, so I'll let ya'll know.
I thoroughly thrashed the class average on the maths test, which was nice. And everything else seems to be going swimmingly. (ha ha swim pun...ehhh)

I have many diatribes, but I will keep it short. I have found that itunes pipes american online radio stations- which is awesome. I'll upload some pictures later.

I made soup

It's been a while, and I have lots of news. First and formost- I made soup...it's alright.(barley, carrot, potato, chicken, vegstock)

I am back to soccer practice tomorrow, which is exciting I have been running around a bit and my leg is feeling much better so lets hope it stays sound. We won the first game of the season on saturday so we're off to a good start. The girls team I coach had a trial game on sunday, and despite some very solid play we lost 1-0. It could be forgiven however as last night was the pubcrawl for the men's & women's teams, everyone (myself included) was feeling a bit slow today.
I had my first welcome(back) to college moment last week when I spent many, many, many hours studying for a finance maths test and I just felt I wasn't getting it. However, in the 50,000th hour of study it all started to make sense and I feel confident it went well... I find out my score tomorrow morning so finger crossed. This school stuff actually takes a dedicated amount of time and I have started treating it like a job- where I get up and put in x number of hours a day until it's done. Now I only have 1 paper, and one test before fall(spring) break when I get to see my parents and take a couple weeks away from class.
In addition to wrapping up the first half of the first semester I am hoping to get some training time in helping out with the swim teaching at university. It's the next step in becoming Austswim certified so that I can teach swimming and go back to work, sadly. I passed the written test last week and now I need to observe and help out until I feel confident to take my own class and get graded for that and my lesson plans.

Ok that's enough for now- I am going to post some pictures that i have stored up then get back to homework.. have a great week everyone.

Wow... 13 days

Sorry it's been 13 days everyone.. I am sure not a single person minded, but I was trying not to miss a day. So I will start again.
Leeeetsss seeee... We're comfortably moved in, I have figured out the train schedule to school and the weather is finally cooling enough that I am not getting heat-stroke on a daily basis.
I am on the Mac Uni super league team (go look up the divisions, i don't understand it myself), and I am coaching the 5th division women's team. The social team, which I am sure the girls thought it would be a lot more fun and less running... but we changed that last weekend. Those of you who have ever run for Coach Covell (senior) know about some of the brutal runs we did last week.
Then i (again) pulled my hip flexor and it looks like i am laid up for about 3-4 weeks... So no more running for a bit.
Other than that things are going swimmingly, I have realized how much time school actually takes, but it is nice to get assignments done. (and even better than a job where your boss takes all the credit)
Leah's still putting up with me, so that's a good sign. Paul came to the rescue about wifi internet- so while we still don't have a home based internet, but now I dont' have to beg borrow and steal the internets from around town (and school)
I will take some pictures of the house tomorrow for posts. But it's 10 and I am going to hit the bed.
G'night ya'll

Almost 5 weeks

Time has been flying by! Some good news today, I was able to get into the upperlevel law class... I just need to talk to the professor to make sure I am going to be up to speed.
Additionally I have been asked to play for another team as well - so mu schedule is filling up. OK good night.

Bring on the pain

Training is getting intense. It takes me back to 2-a-days in high school, not as hot out but much more humid. There is a new american guy trying out for the team... from fort collins so that's pretty interesting. The American guys are all under 21, so they are really loving the workouts after drinking all night. And leah ran 10.5k's at the gym tonight, so we're both hurting.
Additionally we're headed to a very bonding night, as we both have stomach aches... maybe.
I got some new shoes in the mail for my bday from the parents! So thanks guys.
We are slated to move on friday! I am excited for many reasons, also very ready to get out of this house!
Ok talk to everyone tomorrow

I Say, NO to pilates

At least, that's what i say to Leah when she tries to get me to go to pilates.

Had the first practice with the team i am coaching. They need lots of work, mostly in the form of conditioning training- so running time. Also- I am apparently 'Jonny' again thanks to some of the guys I coach with... grrr

Good night.

Full day

Today I had a relatively full day, but it went well. The feds sent me my dispersement notice, so I am getting all your tax dollars, and the Law department finally came-to and has come-up with the waiver so tomorrow at noon I will try to enter the class I have been gunning for the last few weeks.
First practice for the girls team tomorrow- I think I will take it easy on them. But because it is the 3rd squad- I have decided we will be the most in-shape team that we field. That way we can out-last the other teams.
One last note on anyone where considering a law career, do it in the US! There is enough reading here w.out having to find the back round of british law! Added to which these law professors are really anal about citations and whatnot. The tutorial professor made a whole worksheet on how to cite our sources (only footnotes are allowed mind you) and she told us to follow it like it was perfect; then proceeded to get called out on many mistakes and continue to tell us to follow the sheet sans mistakes. Never admitting that she had made any mistakes... hmmm lawyers eh?
ok, before i rant more I am going to catch a nap until I pick up Leah at work.
Night.


OH god- I almost forgot!!
I saw a Danica lookalike today! For those of you who don't know Danica is an old roommate, but still the best monterey roommate today.
So Danica here ya go- she had her iphone on as an ipod, a pony tail turquoise shorts, pink top, socks pulled up, and a pony tail.
I thought nothing of it until she turned towards me and I nearly thought you had come to surprise me... she had the slightly confused about the world, but expectantly happy look on her face that I have only ever seen on you. MISS YOU!

Another sunday gone

Leah and I had a great relaxing sunday. She's working right now, so send your thoughts to her :( Had a great lunch and did some study- see ya'll tomorrow

Heat stroking

It wasn't that hot today, but we had the soccer 'grading day' and it was in the rugby oval which is in a depression- so double hot. But I made the first team, which was a nice bday present.
Additionally I have accepted an offer to coach the women's 3rd teams. It's the worst team they have, so I think it should be ok. Going to have to consult some of yous about coaching.
I got a really nice card from my Grandmother and West-Coast family- so thanks guys... It was really nice to hear from some family. Nice talking to my parents too! Pretty tired, so having a WILD 27th and watching Casino. Bout to head to bed. See everyone tomorrow.

Friday Funday

Hi everyone,
Leah's working tonight, so I have just been doing homework. Soccer tryouts tomorrow~
Cheers

The Sun, She Blazes

No, it's not really that hot anymore, but i am still getting used to the humidity.
Pretty nice, relaxing day. One thing I heard this song today
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R9XspIq20I
Which really brought me back to high school- this country is like back to the future (a hip NEW movie out here i understand & the neighbor HAS a Delorian) - If you know the song, don't bother to listen to it all, it didn't get any better over time. If you have never heard the song... don't bother to listen to it all, it always sucked.

Another day in paradise

Today Leah and I picked up our new car- I will post pictures tomorrow. We're very excited. Soccer try-outs are saturday so I am looking forward to that.
I have worn pants for the first time since moving here (Don't worry, I am still wearing sandals) only because my shorts are in the wash. These backwards yokels don't believe in dryers, which i agree means my clothes will last longer, but when it rains... I have to start the 4-day-wear of the boxers. (front, back, inside out, front back) ha ha just kidding... or am I?
This whole situation is exacerbated by the fact that I have torn the bum out of TWO pairs of boxers at the gym. Must be my chiseled glutes.
Everyday seems to move the date for OUR move closer; it is now edging towards March 7th... We'll see...
Everyone feel free to send: Pint glasses (they only have dinky cups here), non-stick pans, and a new pair of soccer boots.

Lastly, for those wordsmiths out there the professor used the word 'verisimilitude' which is the first time I have ever heard it in real life.

Good Day (paul harvey speak)

Lecture begins P.s. Nickelback is god here...

Today I had my first full lecture. Which is exactly what it sounds like. The professor went on a 15 minute diatribe about 'apps' for iphone and one in particular that would make you very successful in the class. I restrained myself from yelling about the fact that no one has f*cking iphones and get on with it... Maybe I have phone envy as I am still using leah's.
I got a card in the mail recently from the US which I am very excited to open, it feels much longer than the less than 4 weeks it only is. I like it here, but it seems everything takes much longer to get done and nothing is nearly as smooth.
Also the radio stations here have some gawdawful love of Nickelback which about makes me want to vomit, fortunately I can stay here because they aren't married to Crede out here either. If any of you peoples reading this on the interwebs are a fan of either band, you're in the wrong place.
Oh and another thing! I got turned down for 2 jobs today! what the heck right? (or as the chickies say, 'what the eff') Apparently you have to be a citizen or permanent resident to be on the police corruption commission- even as a paralegal..wtf!
Oh well, in good news leah and I get to move in a 3 weeks!
Ok dinner time

Hey hey hey ya'll

First day of classes was great. Not much to report so far, as it is just the preliminary goodies.
keep everyone updated tomorrow.

First Day of Classes

Class starts tomorrow! Not too much to report. Chopped my toe open, but it's ok.

there was something else, but i forgot. Talk to everyone tomorrow

28 deg at 9pm!

So there is some news finally - Firstly, we have decided to purchase a car. We pick it up on Wednesday, I don't have a picture- but I will make sure to post them in a few days. Leah likes to name her cars- so what's your thoughts on a 'V' name?
Leah and I did a workout that was an open challenge from one of my friends. Here's the link: http://www.bodyrock.tv/2011/02/17/sumo-squat-step-up-exercise-challenge/#comments (thanks Kacie)
I too am intimidated by the girl in the photo, but give it a shot. I got 17:29 an leah got 16:50ish. I recommend it.
And finally- the Simpsons in Australia are awesome, it is all the episodes from the early 90's that I haven't seen in years. I sadly know all the lines still.

See you all tomorrow.

Bah!

I forgot my post! Nothing of note happened. Lawn bowling tonight!

Slow cooking

The humidity is slowly baking my brains... Not much today- ambushed the law dept admin. - hopefully will have my waivers tomorrow.
Question for the day - Is it acceptable for men to wear tank-tops to the gym, and if so why?

The Day Looms

Another day down, and closer to monday... I am actually getting a bit excited.
Leah and I have decided to tell the tenant his last day is at the beginning of april so that we can move in, and Mom and Dad can stay with us in the spare room during their visit.
We went car shopping today(more looking actually) and.... we're still looking.
But- big news, first day of soccer practice for the Macquarie team! I am not looking forward to how sore i will be tomorrow.


See ya'll tomorrow

Soak it in.

Trying to squeeze a few more days of summer vacation before classes start. This move means I get 2 winters and a month of summer- I have to make the most of it. Naturally I am feeling a bit under the weather today- so we just had lunch at the beach and didn't do the planned 18k walk. But i am starting to feel better.
Here's my entire production for today:

It begins...

I registered for all my classes today- it's what you'd expect at a school that large. But I was able to meet with the Law department admin and I will hopefully get to take some of the starting law classes earlier than normal and get the degree done!
Happy valentines day to everyone, Leah and I had sushi and gelato - although her mango scoop apparently left something to be desired.
Off to bed.

Enrollment

So, Enrollment tomorrow- I get to see my schedule and get my student ID... I know very exciting.
I rode a bike today for the first time in many years - I recommend everyone give it another shot.
Early morning, see you tomorrow.

Roo Near Miss

Well- this is going to have to suffice as my Saturday night entry. We didn't get home until 11ish and I was honestly far too beat to write anything. We got to Mount Kosciuszko at 3pm for a hike that took us until 8pm... it wasn't bad however as we did over 20km.
We saw the highest toilet in Oz, and had a snack on the roof of australia.

I also nearly splattered a kangaroo on the drive home.

Pics:

Hotter than the Surface of the Sun

This morning we started out driving to Macquarie Uni after I harassed Leah into not enjoying her brekkie (haha aussie word for breakfast) and hustling her out the door.

We made it with minutes to spare, and I then sat with all the other international students for an hour and a half and learned all I needed to know about Macquarie. 

Long story short after much walking around- I don’t know how much of my prior work they are accepting yet, however they are giving me financial aid.  So a good day overall.

 First day of classes is Feb 21^st, so my minication is over soon- but well spent.

 

I spent the rest of the day wandering large shopping malls, reading, and eating.

  We finally roused ourselves to head to the gym and Leah joined me in a crossfit workout.  She did a pretty amazing job.

As I am writing this we are heading to Canberra, or more accurately Gundaroo to stay with Leah’s parents before heading to climb the highest peak on the continent, proper of Australia.  I know I know Australia has higher peaks it lays claim to in Antarctica and the ‘New Guinea continental shelf’ but if that bothers you; get a life.

Also, because Leah is driving I have some time to pontificate (it is MY blog after all); I have started cutting out carbs from every meal after breakfast in an effort to stay healthier and mostly to entertain myself.  I’ll keep everyone informed, it is supposed to slim you down, and after 2 weeks of feeling poorly, it is supposed to increase energy levels.  The down side is that it also makes meal planning a bitch, and I am eating more often because carbs really do help to keep a person sated.

(see the picture for today; Dr. Leah Ryan made an amazing chicken and veggie dish with home grown goodies that was delicious and also possibly the hottest thing I have eaten since California Mexican food)

On to soap box point 2!

  Why does it seem that every couple, once they get serious- run some sort of marathon, fun run, triathlon together?  I understand the ultra sporty couples, but most of us aren’t them and neither person in the couple would run them alone.  I have always chuckled at this… until today.  You guessed it, we’re running the 14k (something like 1.3miles- km’s are short weenie distances that we Americans scoff at) City to Surf it’s in August.   Something like 60,000 people run this, and I hope everyone takes it as a true sign and affirmation of our love.

Ok, last update before I keep Leah company on the rainy drive.  I have a picture of the ‘bogan’ (white trash) who was getting petrol next to us- so enjoy that. 

And there was a place to toss your dirty needles in the bathroom- so of course we took advantage and emptied our stash. (just kidding mom….)

See everyone tomorrow.

Humid Hiking

Today we went to Palm Beach where we did the 'strenuous 3 hour round trip hike" in about 45 minutes, which involved a fair amount of non-hiking time.  But the views were nice and there was indeed a lighthouse.
  After that epic adventure we cooled off in the ocean, which is interesting only because there was a 'blue bottle' jelly fish warning and plenty dead ones on the beach.  They aren't fatal, but they are painful.
I didn't get stung.
  we followed it up with australian burgers- which have a fried egg on top and pickled beet root- better than you would think.
  Finally a late dinner with friends in Padington.

Ok, lookit my pictures now.

This is the 6000 year old spit of land that makes Barrenjoey no longer an Island

First view of the lighthouse, it is the 3rd lighthouse constructed in 1880ish 

 But who cares about the lighthouse in this pic eh?

 The bay, view from the top

 What those of you in the snow are missing

 Dead blue bottle jellies.

 Aussie Burger- note the fried egg

Some lucky guy

3 days, 3 posts... ongoing record achievement.

B/c my last post was in the morning I have a fair amount to share.   We are moving at some point (as early as April 3rd to as late as May 3rd) to a new place in Camperdown, Sydney.  It is more convient for Leah's school, as well as public transportation to my school.  Additionally we are in a more active social setting.
  That being said, we tried out a new gym in the area.  It was cheap and close, and also very very family.  For those of you who don't get that reference, apparently the gym is in the Castro district equivalent of Sydney.  I made many new friends, all of them ridiculously old.

.... on this note- I just erased about the next 400 words of the post.  So if you were bored, lucky you.  Here's the 'short short Princess Bride version'

-Joined a gym
-Had devonshire tea (sorda, with coffee)
-Reggie the Rav4 died after 16 years of loyal service.  We are now looking at VW Golfs... I am lobbying for a Mazda3.  We're going to get it together as a joint asset to help the partnership visa.

Going hiking tomorrow- I'll take some pics, look forward with bated eyeballs...  there is a lighthouse.

Photos From the last week

They kayak that almost ended us

Anyone know what this is?

...

NZ shirt in Oz

Another Maloney's beach sunset.

Here's my best effort to upload some pictures from the last week.  We're thinking of heading somewhere for a couple days this week- so maybe more soon.

Day 10 - First Post

Well, here I am 10 days into my new life 7500 miles from the US and I finally have found the time to start a blog.  I know it's lame, but it is really hard to keep up with everyone via email and fb when I can't call or text reasonably.  I am following the James Foreman plan, and I am going to try to write everyday.
  The last 10 days in as few words as possible:
Day 1:  Leah wouldn't let me sleep until 930pm.  I was a zombie, but it was well worth it.
rest of the days : we've been to the beach house for a few days, the off to Ikea, bought furniture, i have been to the vet (Leah's work) multiple times, walked through a live taping of the vet TV show, and driven on the wrong side of the road 3 times.  I split my shorts in the gym, and dumped us both out of the Kayak into the surf, moved new and old furniture and been in 110 degree heat.
  I will try to keep the updates timely and if I can find my camera cable I will upload some pics.
  enjoy.
 -j