Gosh, well I'm sorry for the American travels blog that got cut short. I guess I sort of ran out of time and was having too much fun in the states and then pretty much the day after I got home it was Christmas (quite literally, I rocked up at Adelaide aiport at around 8pm on Christmas Eve). So I was considerably tired on that Christmas day, although enjoyed being back to a familiar place again where I didn't get charged extra at the checkout, drive on the wrong side of the road or deal with a very different climate.
Nonetheless my time in America was excellent, my highlights were Orlando in Florida, where I spent a few days by myself just wandering through Disney World and Universal Studios and braving the biggest rollercoasters I've ever been on in my entire life. Before that I was in Alabama, in a pretty little city called Huntsville. I experienced foods of different varieties throughout my whole trip including Red Robin (massive burgers with a generous serving of chips that they refill for free if you eat them all :o), Outback Steakhouse (which was a hilarious experience for me btw) and various other take out places. My trip from Huntsville to Orlando couldn't have been any more nerve-wracking, with my flight to Atlanta that had to turn back to Huntsville half way through because of a storm in Atlanta, had to get my flight changed to leave from Huntsville to Washington DC (which is completely the opposite direction from Atlanta and Orlando) and then to Orlando from DC. It was a good adventure though, because at least I can say I've been to the city with the White House.. even though I spent approximately an hour there, only just enough time to find out how to get to my terminal (the airport was excessively huge, there was a train shuttle running between terminals!) and grab some food.
Anyway, so here I am back home and I think I'm ready to go back there again in winter of 2010 for a few months!
A lot has happened between now and then...
I started uni (Foundation Studies) at UniSA which has been quite a journey, I'm almost at half way mark and haven't dropped out yet (good sign). Seem to be getting along pretty well in my study, for a majority of my assignments I have been getting distinctions or credits (with the exception of a couple of high distinctions and one pass 1).
Over a month ago I started a relationship with a boy named Elliott from Queensland, after meeting him officially at Easterfest Music Festival in Toowoomba. Already I am planning to live in his town for a couple of months from August of this year and then hopefully he is moving here in Adelaide permanently as from December. So things with him have been coming along exellently.
Haven't been working since I quit my job at Brumby's before leaving for America late last year. It's been quite a challenge for me, surviving on the little amount of youth allowance I get. Infact, so small that it's not even worth budgeting for. But leaning towards some sort of employment before the year is out, just so I can start some sort of savings towards the future.
That's about as updated as I can get.
=]
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Greetings From America!
It's now been my 11th day in the states and I am having the time of my life!
First I spent 4 days in Hawaii, where the weather was pure craziness. When I got there at 6:30am it was extra warm and humid, really gross overall. I was feeling fairly overwhelmed emotionally and physically. Just everything felt so weird coming straight from Adelaide where it had not even been one day since my Poppa had passed away, direct to Honolulu where I was all by myself and very tired. I spent the whole day wondering around in Ala Moana Centre whilst waiting for check-in time at my resort where I had left my luggage with the bell-boy. It had not even been three hours when I crashed extremely early for the night which inconviently lead me to awake at 4:30 in the AM.
Pretty much the whole of Saturday was soaked through with rain, so I decided to catch a bus to the Waikele Premium Outlets about an hour out of Honolulu. There wasn't a whole lot of fascinating stores there but I managed to buy two tshirts and a fresh water pearl earrings and necklace for a reasonable price. I spent another quiet night by myself that evening before crashing a bit later and getting up bright and early on a beautiful Sunday morn'.
I visited one of the New Hope Baptist Churches for the morning service. Spent a lovely afternoon talking to some friendly locals at the church lunch before a couple offered me a lift back to my resort. Meanwhile the whole weekend I had not gone swimming at some of the most beautiful beaches on earth (the jellyfish signs scared me), so I walked along the beach in the arvo and ended of the evening with a wonderous sunset as an encore.
The Monday was mostly spent packing and cleaning up, before then catching a shuttle bus to the airport and getting myself on my plane heading to Atlanta in Georgia on the mainland. The airflight had a little less turbulence than my flight from Sydney to Honolulu but it was still enough to keep me up all night. After getting off the plane bright and early in the AM in Atlanta I decided that I really and truly dislike flying on planes.
My first day in Atlanta consisted of mostly feeling of being a zombie and laughing hysterically at my friend Jeremy's jokes in the food court at Mall of Georgia and consuming Chik-fil-A. I crashed for three hours in the arvo, got up to have some dinner and then crashed for another 12 hours. It's evident that I was INSANELY exhausted and tired.
The next day Heather, Jeremy's girlfriend, came (she was staying the week too) and so we spent the day at CNN HQ food court (where I got to experience Taco Bell!) and the Georgia Aquarium. The Aquarium is just massive, I've never seen anything like it, the actual aquarium inside is the size of an American football field and there's hundreds of kinds of fish and all sea-life. From as little as a Seahorse to as big as a Whale Shark. I had an absolute ball.
The Thursday me, Heather and Jeremy's family went to his aunt and uncle's house north of Atlanta for Thanksgiving lunch. It was hmm.... interesting to say the least! Interesting in a good way. There I tried all kinds of traditional foods like Sweet Potato Casserole (which is now my favourite at the moment) and watched Jeremy's brother and dad play with rockets. Then in the evening me, Heather and Jeremy drover to Lake Lanier where they had the 'Magical Nights of Lights'. Basically thousands of Christmas light and decorations, it was uber pretty. Went to the little park fair at the end, rode on the ferris wheel and another fun ride and consumed some cooked marshmallows.
'Black Friday' was then there right at us like a hurricane. Black Friday is basically the day after Thanksgiving where all the stores and shops have huge sales and it's just utter madness, although we were lucky that it wasn't entirely busy because some people are starting to cut down over here. We drove and shopped a bit before getting my stuff and having a very entertaining and eventful drive to Columbus. We were supposed to meet my friend Josh who was picking me up in Lumpkin but there is NOTHING in Lumpkin. Like, you could blink and then literally you'll be passing the sign that says 'You are now leaving Lumpkin'. And Josh kinda got there super early, waaay before we even started driving there. So they decided on meeting in Columbus after hiking a bit in Lumpkin. Then we had to find where to meet in Columbus since it's quite a big place with sooo many fast food chain resturants. Josh and his friend decided on Sonic, but then there was our task of trying to find which Sonic since there was at least 10 in and around Columbus. So, fortunately for us Jeremy had a GPS. We turned down a random road to fill up on petrol and then discovered that it was the road that the Sonic Josh and his friend were at. We found them, had some dinner at Sonic (which has the weirdest park-and-order thingys) and I was off with Josh and his friend. I was very worried that we might get lost, seeing as it was night time, SO foggy and we turned down at least 3 or 4 wrong roads along the way. BUT we made it to Panama City (in Florida). YAY!
The weekend was spent mostly being lazy, eating traditional southern-style foods (which there are still leftovers of) and going to Josh's church.
Yesterday me and Josh enjoyed most of the day at Coconut Creek which has 2 putt putt courses with huge plastica animals and all sorts of interesting things and also a huge maze. He bet me at all of it. Which is the way it goes I suppose? :P Then we hung out at Panera Bread (which is a FANTASTIC little place, I wish we had them in Australia) and shopped a little bit. I bought a really nice woolen sweater from Aerostopale for around 20US$.
Today I've helped his older sister teach her 5th grade class. I talked to the class about Australia and they asked me hundreds of questions, including a few silly ones like "are there computers in Australia?" HAHA. Then me and Josh are supposed to be going back to Coconut Creek and then heading to Bonefish for dinner because it's Josh's birthday today. :)
Anyway that's about as much up-to-date I can think of and I hope to post again at the end of this week!
First I spent 4 days in Hawaii, where the weather was pure craziness. When I got there at 6:30am it was extra warm and humid, really gross overall. I was feeling fairly overwhelmed emotionally and physically. Just everything felt so weird coming straight from Adelaide where it had not even been one day since my Poppa had passed away, direct to Honolulu where I was all by myself and very tired. I spent the whole day wondering around in Ala Moana Centre whilst waiting for check-in time at my resort where I had left my luggage with the bell-boy. It had not even been three hours when I crashed extremely early for the night which inconviently lead me to awake at 4:30 in the AM.
Pretty much the whole of Saturday was soaked through with rain, so I decided to catch a bus to the Waikele Premium Outlets about an hour out of Honolulu. There wasn't a whole lot of fascinating stores there but I managed to buy two tshirts and a fresh water pearl earrings and necklace for a reasonable price. I spent another quiet night by myself that evening before crashing a bit later and getting up bright and early on a beautiful Sunday morn'.
I visited one of the New Hope Baptist Churches for the morning service. Spent a lovely afternoon talking to some friendly locals at the church lunch before a couple offered me a lift back to my resort. Meanwhile the whole weekend I had not gone swimming at some of the most beautiful beaches on earth (the jellyfish signs scared me), so I walked along the beach in the arvo and ended of the evening with a wonderous sunset as an encore.
The Monday was mostly spent packing and cleaning up, before then catching a shuttle bus to the airport and getting myself on my plane heading to Atlanta in Georgia on the mainland. The airflight had a little less turbulence than my flight from Sydney to Honolulu but it was still enough to keep me up all night. After getting off the plane bright and early in the AM in Atlanta I decided that I really and truly dislike flying on planes.
My first day in Atlanta consisted of mostly feeling of being a zombie and laughing hysterically at my friend Jeremy's jokes in the food court at Mall of Georgia and consuming Chik-fil-A. I crashed for three hours in the arvo, got up to have some dinner and then crashed for another 12 hours. It's evident that I was INSANELY exhausted and tired.
The next day Heather, Jeremy's girlfriend, came (she was staying the week too) and so we spent the day at CNN HQ food court (where I got to experience Taco Bell!) and the Georgia Aquarium. The Aquarium is just massive, I've never seen anything like it, the actual aquarium inside is the size of an American football field and there's hundreds of kinds of fish and all sea-life. From as little as a Seahorse to as big as a Whale Shark. I had an absolute ball.
The Thursday me, Heather and Jeremy's family went to his aunt and uncle's house north of Atlanta for Thanksgiving lunch. It was hmm.... interesting to say the least! Interesting in a good way. There I tried all kinds of traditional foods like Sweet Potato Casserole (which is now my favourite at the moment) and watched Jeremy's brother and dad play with rockets. Then in the evening me, Heather and Jeremy drover to Lake Lanier where they had the 'Magical Nights of Lights'. Basically thousands of Christmas light and decorations, it was uber pretty. Went to the little park fair at the end, rode on the ferris wheel and another fun ride and consumed some cooked marshmallows.
'Black Friday' was then there right at us like a hurricane. Black Friday is basically the day after Thanksgiving where all the stores and shops have huge sales and it's just utter madness, although we were lucky that it wasn't entirely busy because some people are starting to cut down over here. We drove and shopped a bit before getting my stuff and having a very entertaining and eventful drive to Columbus. We were supposed to meet my friend Josh who was picking me up in Lumpkin but there is NOTHING in Lumpkin. Like, you could blink and then literally you'll be passing the sign that says 'You are now leaving Lumpkin'. And Josh kinda got there super early, waaay before we even started driving there. So they decided on meeting in Columbus after hiking a bit in Lumpkin. Then we had to find where to meet in Columbus since it's quite a big place with sooo many fast food chain resturants. Josh and his friend decided on Sonic, but then there was our task of trying to find which Sonic since there was at least 10 in and around Columbus. So, fortunately for us Jeremy had a GPS. We turned down a random road to fill up on petrol and then discovered that it was the road that the Sonic Josh and his friend were at. We found them, had some dinner at Sonic (which has the weirdest park-and-order thingys) and I was off with Josh and his friend. I was very worried that we might get lost, seeing as it was night time, SO foggy and we turned down at least 3 or 4 wrong roads along the way. BUT we made it to Panama City (in Florida). YAY!
The weekend was spent mostly being lazy, eating traditional southern-style foods (which there are still leftovers of) and going to Josh's church.
Yesterday me and Josh enjoyed most of the day at Coconut Creek which has 2 putt putt courses with huge plastica animals and all sorts of interesting things and also a huge maze. He bet me at all of it. Which is the way it goes I suppose? :P Then we hung out at Panera Bread (which is a FANTASTIC little place, I wish we had them in Australia) and shopped a little bit. I bought a really nice woolen sweater from Aerostopale for around 20US$.
Today I've helped his older sister teach her 5th grade class. I talked to the class about Australia and they asked me hundreds of questions, including a few silly ones like "are there computers in Australia?" HAHA. Then me and Josh are supposed to be going back to Coconut Creek and then heading to Bonefish for dinner because it's Josh's birthday today. :)
Anyway that's about as much up-to-date I can think of and I hope to post again at the end of this week!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
I Love You... Tomorrow.
It's only a day away!
Indeed, YES! Tomorrow I will be on a plane heading towards USA.
I have got much of my suitcase packed (hopefully not too much, I'm only allowed 20kg =\ ) and I have a few things left before I leave in the morning. Plans are to stay up all night, or at least most of it, and that way I still have plenty of time to do all things I need to do around here. Just like Christmas eve, excitement will most likely keep me up so I will have no problem in accomplishing that. But I know that by the time I get to the airport I will regret it SO MUCH. I CAN HAS COFFEE?
I have set up a blogging application on my iPhone, called Shozu, so blogging won't be a problem whilst being deprived of a computer while over there. Photos will be put up on my Facebook, for all of you who are my friend already, if not... you know what to do. ;)
I think that's all I need to say.
Wish me luck for my plane flights, I'm feeling considerably nervous about flying over the North/South Pacific Oceans!
<3
Indeed, YES! Tomorrow I will be on a plane heading towards USA.
I have got much of my suitcase packed (hopefully not too much, I'm only allowed 20kg =\ ) and I have a few things left before I leave in the morning. Plans are to stay up all night, or at least most of it, and that way I still have plenty of time to do all things I need to do around here. Just like Christmas eve, excitement will most likely keep me up so I will have no problem in accomplishing that. But I know that by the time I get to the airport I will regret it SO MUCH. I CAN HAS COFFEE?
I have set up a blogging application on my iPhone, called Shozu, so blogging won't be a problem whilst being deprived of a computer while over there. Photos will be put up on my Facebook, for all of you who are my friend already, if not... you know what to do. ;)
I think that's all I need to say.
Wish me luck for my plane flights, I'm feeling considerably nervous about flying over the North/South Pacific Oceans!
<3
Monday, November 10, 2008
Feeling of Freedom.
This is the first day of freedom. The first day where I don't have to go to work or think about when my next shift is or being a little bit stressed every time my phone rings.It really is a great feeling!
This week I just hope to relax and start preparing for my trip. About all I have done packing wise is pulled the suitcase out from my parent's wardrobe. I also REALLY need to clean my room, just from looking around... my desk is the worst.
I'm getting very excited and nervous about my trip. My fear is that I'll leave something behind. But if I do things right and follow a list I think I should be okay. If it's something of not entire importance then I'm sure I could just pop into the local Wal-Mart (or whatever there is) and purchase it.
There are many things I'm excited about for my trip, but here are just the top five...
1. Chillaxing on the beach in Hawaii (if weather permits me, at the moment it's been pretty rain-y)
2. Theme parks. I might not be going to many but I will definitely be going to Disney World (in Orlando) and Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. Universal Studios, Sea World, Busch Gardens and Old Town are places I'm considering also, seeing as I'll be in Orlando for a little while.
3. Experiencing a different culture and place, I think even going to local supermarket will excite me because it will be so different AND I would be able to get American goods much cheaper (and more range) than for what they sell them here for in sweets shops (i.e. Poptarts, Peanut Buttercups, TaB etc).
4. Having my first ever thanksgiving dinner, celebrating with my friends and his family and rellies.
5. Spending lots of time with all my amazing friends. I genuinely can't wait to meet them and their friends and families.
This may be my last blog post before I jet off... SO I just wanted to say a big THANKS to all of my friends and my family for supporting me through this year, especially my last several months working in a part time job that I didn't enjoy mostly (but it will be worth it!) and for just supporting me as I have been preparing my trip (no joke, this trip took A LOT of planning). I will miss you all as I spend time in a different country but I hope to come back with some great stories, photos and goodies. I hope to see those of you who can make it at my picnic this Saturday. =]
Signing off with MUCHMUCHMUCH love. <3
Friday, October 24, 2008
Plane Letters
On November 21st I will be jetting off to the states. The flight there is approximately 18 hours long, so while I am not sleeping, I would like to be doing stuff to fill time instead of sitting there... watching the seconds pass by into minutes.
So, I would like for you... yes... YOU, to write me a plane letter. What is a plane letter you ask? It's simply a letter one writes to their friend in which the friend keeps and doesn't read the letter until once on the plane (and hopefully in the air!). The criteria for this 'plane letter' is basically anything you want, as long as it's not rude or offending to me. Just write down anything you think I would find enjoyable to read whilst on the plane.
You can either email the letters to my email (karinahasfriends at gmail dot com) or if mail it to me (email me for my address if you do not have it already), just make sure you send it in enough time before I leave. Deadline is 7:00pm ACDT 20th November. If you are going to mail it, deadline sending date is 14th November, or 17th Nov if you are in the same state.
What are you waiting for now? Go forth and write/type me a plane letter, you!
So, I would like for you... yes... YOU, to write me a plane letter. What is a plane letter you ask? It's simply a letter one writes to their friend in which the friend keeps and doesn't read the letter until once on the plane (and hopefully in the air!). The criteria for this 'plane letter' is basically anything you want, as long as it's not rude or offending to me. Just write down anything you think I would find enjoyable to read whilst on the plane.
You can either email the letters to my email (karinahasfriends at gmail dot com) or if mail it to me (email me for my address if you do not have it already), just make sure you send it in enough time before I leave. Deadline is 7:00pm ACDT 20th November. If you are going to mail it, deadline sending date is 14th November, or 17th Nov if you are in the same state.
What are you waiting for now? Go forth and write/type me a plane letter, you!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
USA Dawns
There is very little time until I fly off to the states all by myself and it's very nerve wracking how fast everything is going. I'm yet to get my passport done this week or early next, depends when I get my proof of age card I needed for the passport application (don't currently have a driver's license). I need to also acquire some travel insurance and few bits and bobs for my trip before I leave.
Yesterday I purchased a day pack for taking on the plane with me and for other exciting day adventures whilst over in America. I have spent weeks trying to find the perfect bag at a reasonable price. Fortunately after all my hunting I found a High Sierra bag in Strandbags for around $60, which isn't too bad considering it is a very good bag! Although I am thinking about getting a small bag to fit my phone, camera and maybe a book or two to have with me whilst I have my backpack in the compartment above my head. Anyone have suggestions?
I have a few (most likely 3 or 4) weeks left at work, which I'm feeling like it's forever away. I shall be very glad to not have to deal with snobby and impatient customers or having to do a million jobs in under a few hours. I'm not sure yet if I should have a casual/part-time job after Summer when I start uni. I won't sort those things out I guess until I know I've got into Foundation Studies and if I can actually get youth allowance.
Feeling a bit nervous (but excited) about spending a few days in Honolulu by myself when I first get there. So I've begun making a list of things to do, things to see and places to go. I don't think I really need to be overly worried, I mean c'mon.... relaxing in Hawaii? It's going to be fantastic!! It will be a new experience for me, as I've never lived outside of home. Which mean I'll need to go grocery shopping for myself. I'm hoping I get at least semi-healthy foods when I'm shopping, I suppose that's why a groceries list never seems to go astray. Oh, there's a pool on the very top level of the hotel I'm staying in, which is kind of ridiculous in the fact that the beach is literally down the road. But I suppose, if it's heated, then it probably makes a better choice over going to the beach in the evening for a swim (depending what the weather will be like, I will be in Hawaii fall/winter climate). I'll also have a stunning view of the ocean from my room which will be a really big plus.
I would be very appreciative of some prayer about my trip, that everything will work out, that I'll keep safe while there and particularly about the Aussie dollar at the moment, as the exchange rate isn't very impressive.
Hopefully I'll get in another entry about a week or so before I head off. =]
Yesterday I purchased a day pack for taking on the plane with me and for other exciting day adventures whilst over in America. I have spent weeks trying to find the perfect bag at a reasonable price. Fortunately after all my hunting I found a High Sierra bag in Strandbags for around $60, which isn't too bad considering it is a very good bag! Although I am thinking about getting a small bag to fit my phone, camera and maybe a book or two to have with me whilst I have my backpack in the compartment above my head. Anyone have suggestions?
I have a few (most likely 3 or 4) weeks left at work, which I'm feeling like it's forever away. I shall be very glad to not have to deal with snobby and impatient customers or having to do a million jobs in under a few hours. I'm not sure yet if I should have a casual/part-time job after Summer when I start uni. I won't sort those things out I guess until I know I've got into Foundation Studies and if I can actually get youth allowance.
Feeling a bit nervous (but excited) about spending a few days in Honolulu by myself when I first get there. So I've begun making a list of things to do, things to see and places to go. I don't think I really need to be overly worried, I mean c'mon.... relaxing in Hawaii? It's going to be fantastic!! It will be a new experience for me, as I've never lived outside of home. Which mean I'll need to go grocery shopping for myself. I'm hoping I get at least semi-healthy foods when I'm shopping, I suppose that's why a groceries list never seems to go astray. Oh, there's a pool on the very top level of the hotel I'm staying in, which is kind of ridiculous in the fact that the beach is literally down the road. But I suppose, if it's heated, then it probably makes a better choice over going to the beach in the evening for a swim (depending what the weather will be like, I will be in Hawaii fall/winter climate). I'll also have a stunning view of the ocean from my room which will be a really big plus.I would be very appreciative of some prayer about my trip, that everything will work out, that I'll keep safe while there and particularly about the Aussie dollar at the moment, as the exchange rate isn't very impressive.
Hopefully I'll get in another entry about a week or so before I head off. =]
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Dear Self
Oh hey, I heard you were feeling just a little down today. But I can't understand why, you had a great day and all.
Perhaps just feeling a little lonely? Which is most likely the case, because the amount of couple, engaged or married is becoming astronomical. I wouldn't be suprised if you were feeling just a little left out of the picture.
Or maybe it's not fitting in with people? You're a high-school drop out, not studying at university, still single and perhaps feeling just a little bit of a train wreck.
Why can't you feel just a little bit better about yourself? You have the whole world ahead of you, ready and waiting for you to explore. Try new things. Get your feet dirty. Experience life.
Can you just be content with who you are? Can you be happy as a single person in amongst a crowd of many who aren't? Can you be positive and happy almost all the time? Can you speak to someone new and not have awkward long moments of silence?
Maybe sometime in the future there is a man who would be half crazy enough to want to spend the rest of his life with you, but for now... you just gotta be happy. Be a happy, single and delightful Karina. Because that is what you do best.
Perhaps just feeling a little lonely? Which is most likely the case, because the amount of couple, engaged or married is becoming astronomical. I wouldn't be suprised if you were feeling just a little left out of the picture.
Or maybe it's not fitting in with people? You're a high-school drop out, not studying at university, still single and perhaps feeling just a little bit of a train wreck.
Why can't you feel just a little bit better about yourself? You have the whole world ahead of you, ready and waiting for you to explore. Try new things. Get your feet dirty. Experience life.
Can you just be content with who you are? Can you be happy as a single person in amongst a crowd of many who aren't? Can you be positive and happy almost all the time? Can you speak to someone new and not have awkward long moments of silence?
Maybe sometime in the future there is a man who would be half crazy enough to want to spend the rest of his life with you, but for now... you just gotta be happy. Be a happy, single and delightful Karina. Because that is what you do best.
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