Q:Please tell me how to like your posts. I am confused!

ma-sheree

Haha Shreegul! You just click on the date/time of the post you want to like and then it takes you to that individual post. In the top right-hand corner of the page, near the follow/unfollow button there’s a heart…. CLICK IT!

My last day as a free woman - 18/01/2012

I felt a bit homesick on Saturday because I didn’t have much to do, so I called Jess and Mum and felt a bit better. I went for a long walk around the city, and took some photos (see below). I’m now feeling a like I have my bearings slightly more than when I arrived. After that I came home and chatted with my roommate over several cups of tea, until she had to go out house hunting. So I popped down the hall to Aly’s room and we had dinner together. I’m becoming very good at getting invited for dinner!

I looked up a church to attend on Sunday because I didn’t want to have another homesick episode (once a week is enough for me, thank you very much!), been trying to keep myself busy. I went along and it was quite nice, a lot smaller than Crossway, but the people are very friendly and I went out to lunch at Nandos with a group of them. I met once girl who likes to walk/jog around the lake so I’m going with her on Thursday or Saturday, and another girl from England who is doing her PhD in Agricultural Science. I’ll definitely be picking her brain once I start work!

On Monday I went for a picnic on the lake with a few people from DAFF and then H (the lady I’m moving in with) invited me to dinner, so I’ll had to get out in the car finally. I’m so glad I did. She was so funny and an amazing cook. Roast lamb and veggies in mah belleh! So good. The cats, Growltigger and Wailer, were friendly too, so I’m going to take some photos with them once I move in.

I was doing CLB (my certificate 4 stuff) all last night until late. Finally finished it! Woo hoo! So I sent it off in the mail today, so Mum should receive it tomorrow morning.

I have to be at work tomorrow morning at 8.45 and then we have induction and introduction to our divisions! I’m nervous but so excited. Until then, I am a free woman.

Oh, also I bought some cute suede moccasins/loafters today from Big W. Hellooo comfy work shoes!

Some photos I took on a walk I went on over the weekend. It helped me to gain my bearings. I’ll be uploading the others to my flickr account, so once they are up, I’ll post the link!

You have to scroll through using the arrows on either side of the picture.

All of these photos are from the Civic area in the city centre.

The sun hates me!

I am a tomato! So sunburned!

Currently looking up “home remedies” for sunburn, as I am honestly too knackered to go down to the shops right now!

Most are suggesting aloe or vinegar, but I don’t have that. One did say to use milk! I might give it a go. It’s feeling pretty awful right now, I’ll try anything.

Anyway, I’m getting ahead of myself. I am in Canberra! Drove up with Dad - was a looooooong 8 hour trip. Arrived on Wednesday night and stayed at this small motel that had a crazy weird space toilet in the room.

After that, we went and explored the city, bought some groceries and bought a Canberra map book, which I keep calling “The Canberra Melways” and getting strange looks!

Dropping Dad off at the airport was an experience. It was pretty difficult for me to say goodbye to him, and I just felt like crying because reality hit me pretty hard when his plane took off. I was really questioning why I had to be here, and freaking out about driving and all of that stuff.

Good thing I had to pick up Aly from arrivals and pulled myself together. Otherwise, I would probably be back in Melbourne by now!

So, after a very haphazard journey back from the airport, we checked in, and then went to the shops etc. Bought internet dongles - went with Telstra since my suburb apparently has shocking reception and Telstra is the only one that works.

THEN…. (deep breath!)… we went out to an Irish pub called the Wig and Pen in Civic. It’s a really great little pub with good beer and cider (awesome cider), and a range of international labels too! It was pretty cosy with the 25ish people in our group, so after a few drinks the others decided to head off for dinner. I was feeling pretty tired by this stage and so I excused myself and headed back to the apartment.

I seem to have exceptionally good timing because I managed to run into my new roomie as she was moving her stuff in. She is really lovely and we get along well, so it’s more than what I could have asked for.

Today we had a welcome BBQ in Glebe Park with the ex-grads which was really good, but also the location where my skin was burning terrifically! We moved onto The Uni Pub, which isn’t far from work. Watched some cricket with the guys inside, somehow all the girls stayed out in the heat! I don’t know why, it was cooler inside and the company was good!

Anyway, I’m about to watch Chuck with Jess - so I better sign off here.

P.S. I found out my branch but I don’t know if I’m allowed to write about it on here!

“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” — C.S. Lewis

It’s my last night in Melbourne and for the past week I’ve been battling all of the memorable moments that I’ve had here. They just keep creeping into the back of my head and making me feel sentimental and worried about leaving.

I know that I’m about to embark on, probably, the biggest adventure of my young life. I know that I’m going to be okay. I know that God has provided a house, a car, and a fantastic job for me. I know, I know, I know.

But there is a difference between knowing and feeling.

I guess that’s what faith is, though. Bridging the gap between knowing and feeling.

I think that’s what C.S. Lewis is talking about. Knowing that you’ll be alright and get through the things in the future, that you’ll grow and learn as a person, and discover new things and have adventures.

I think I’m finally understanding this.