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