Indecent Exposure? No Worries Mate! It's Mardi Gras!

Possibly the biggest event I've ever been to in my life, and one of the most fun things I have done since I arrived in Australia was this Mardi Gras parade. It was intense! It's really not that big of a deal as it is in the US because it is really only about gay pride and advocating for equal rights but it's still a HUGE turnout and absolutely entertaining. Katie and I had to fight our way from the train station to Oxford street where the parade was taking place and they had so much stuff blocked off and people were just everywhere, you could barely move, everyone was getting bitchy because people were literally stepping on you to get a better view. We maneuvered our way to a spot where we could see and I grabbed the wrong camera battery so I'm very upset at my lack of photos but I did take a bunch of videos which along with the pictures that were not appropriate for facebook will be posted below.

It started out with a bunch of people dressed up riding on motorcycles and they were just having so much fun that you couldnt help but BE in a good mood. I really don't know if I will get used to seeing so many boobs out in public though, this would never happen in the US, not the way the aussies do it anyway. Then there were a bunch of different floats and organizations that danced and cheered as they walked through, and in the entire state of New South Wales they would have the police, firefighters, nurses, even the army and navy and stuff, they would all march to show their pride. Some of the costumes were crazy on the people who were just there for support and dancing, I mean like, intense dominatrix, cross dressing, and the kind of stuff you would see in a fetish porn. I've never seen so many women with no shirts on and I've been to a strip club before! The music was fun, the people in the parade just made everything fun, and the only complaints besides my camera dying before the really cool stuff (and after watching the videos died way before i thought it did) was the fact that my feet were killing me from standing there so long and because the people standing behind me would not stop either stepping on me, screaming in my ear, or acting like they owned the universe and pushing people around. Like I saw them push a child. Really? I hate you people.

I probably should have written then when I had a better memory of everything, but it was so ridiculous you really had to be there to enjoy it or understand... So I'll post the photos and the videos and leave it at that! PS sorry for the annoying screamer that is the stupid girl standing behind me.

I also figured out that for the first week of my spring break I am going to New Zealand, where I will visit Kelsey Hobbs and go bungee jumping and camping!!!!!! Woo hoooo!!!!!!

The long video was too big to post so I put it on youtube, it has some crazy dancing, a giant joint, a group that wants US troops out of Iraq, tons of stuff... here is the link :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4P1_CZ1bnI

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Thank you Immune System...

That's right, I have managed to get sick. I hear strep is going around... Don't think that I have that but my throat def hurts like a mother and my nose hates life. COOOOOOOLLLLLLLL. I've definitely been eating plenty of vitamin C too so this is just ridiculous.
I'm definitely going crazy without being able to talk to my sister every day... this time difference is SO annoying! And it's not that I don't miss everyone else who normally inhabits my life but I mean... it's Kathleen. Sorry, she's my other half. But on a separate note I miss everyone, Massachusetts, Colorado, wherever you are, believe me stuff happens everyday that reminds me of people home in the USA and I automatically want to reach for my phone and then have that awful realization that I can't call/text you, hang out with you, etc. Some days it's worse than others. Now that I have classes it isn't so bad, but there are just some days where there is nothing to do and if you aren't with people at some random moment it's this intense feeling of "this has been fun but it's time to go home". It comes and goes so quickly I feel bipolar most of the time. It will literally come for a period of 15 minutes and then I'm totally fine and ready for an adventure here and couldn't care less that I'm thousands of miles from home. Those bad days though... where I have no motivation to leave my apartment, or my bed because as soon as I start a day it's the start of a day in another country, without anyone who I've become accustomed to having around me. Not fun, let me tell you. And I thought about not saying anything about my homesickness moodswings but I've also decided that I just don't care. It happens.
Classes are... "different" than at home. There are lectures and tutorials. Lectures are the same as any school, tutorials are broken down sections of the class where you discuss, debate whatever in depth about the lecture. It's mandatory to go, and it's pretty much forced participation. I hate that. If I have a comment or a question I'll ask I don't care to be pressured into having something to say, because not only will my mind go blank, but then I'll just feel AND look stupid. Not a fan of this. I think that is the thing that people complain about most here besides randomly missing home... the way the schools work. They told us at orientation to remember that "its not wrong its different" ... whatever. There isn't as much work in the classes but the work you do is worth SO much that if you do bad on one assignment you are pretty much going to have to fight to the death to get what would equal a high C in the states... HATE THAT! ... Who studies abroad with the intention of being studious? Not me!
I finally unpacked my stuff... until about 15 minutes ago my clothes were either thrown across my floor or in a pile in my suitcase. I organized and cleaned, Kathleen would be so proud, and pissed because I never clean at home ;) ... Have to go buy hangers now though, and that is annoying. I feel like everyday I have to walk across campus to go to the shopping centre because there is SOMETHING that I am missing or need to get that I forgot on the last trip. I need to find a job or I'm gonna run out of money so fast...
Anyways... time for bed for me. I don't feel well and I am determined to get to the beach this weekend. Gnight all!

This is for you Wareham... You're own fault Makenzie haha

What do you mean your friends call you Trogdor?

Couple things... first of all, I highly recommend watching the SNL clips of Zac Efron paroding High School Musical and Taylor Swifts monologue song. Quite funny. Second of all, in this country there are some things I feel like sharing... brace yourselves... first of all, Mosquitos are called "Mossies". This makes them sound cute, and is therefore not a good term for them. Second, they dont have juicys!!!! I know, it's the saddest thing ever, I'm just as disturbed as you are. And third, not only do they charge you 10 cents for a stupid plastic bag at target in case you didn't want to carry your 99 ridiculous and pointless purchases home in your arms, but they don't even sell popcorn to microwave here! YEAH! You have to go pay the outrageous movie theater price if you want popcorn! Oh, and for the Wareham people, if I EVER hear another person complain about the price of tickets at flagship cinemas, even if I am in that god forsaken vest, i'll have to inform them that a STUDENT DISCOUNTED ticket, is 14 dollars. Yeah... fuck you grandma who talks about when it was 25 cents, if you havent been to the movies since you were 12 thats not my problem. .... Anyway, I will give them this, if you feel like coughing up 25 bucks, you can buy 3D glasses that are AVIATORS. Yeah, badass? I think so! Their movie theaters also have assigned seating. It means that when movies sell out everyone is guaranteed a seat and no on can sneak in. At first I thought this was the worst idea ever, who wants assigned seating? BUT, it really makes the whole experience better I think. You don't debate with people about where to sit because you don't have a choice, and chances are the people who came in 15 minutes after you that you can't stand for some absurd reason probably aren't sitting anywhere near you. Catch on to this trend America!
I can't remember if I wrote this in the last post, but speaking of Zac Efron, I was at the same beach as him the day I took my tour... unfortunately by the time this was brought to our entire groups attention he was already jumping into a car because he was about to be mauled by girls. The point is that I was within like 300 feet of an American heart throb and no one told me he was coming. And while we are on the subject of Americans coming to Australia, our President will be in Sydney tomorrow I guess. I learned this when I saw a poster on campus where there will be a rally IN the city being put on by 3 of the clubs from my school PROTESTING his visit for all kinds of anti war causes and being against US involvement in stuff... I think when I go into Sydney tomorrow I shall wear red white and blue... my red sox jersey perhaps? 
I hung out with Katie for most of today, we are having the same up and down feelings on this trip, seem to have the same money issues, and in general have the same sarcastic humor and both thought we were the only ones who were this way until we really got to talking. THANK GOD! We did some retail therapy as Katie called it, then grabbed some lunch. Kayla joined us later and we went to go see the movie Valentines Day, which I loved, and then somewhat hated. You know when you watch a movie, and random parts of it make you think of people in your life, or you just go "oh my god that's me"? Yeah... I didn't like how this movie did that to me. I'd go into details but it's possible that people I don't want to know that information would see this and, well, my life is awkward enough thanks! Anyways, loved it though. Definitely going to buy that... But we all started talking about our friends from home and such and it was mentioned that I had an abundance of friends that were boys and that something could happen with any one of them... so I told them that I am called "trogdor" and/or "dude" by most of them to get my point across about those relationships. I think I might be the only girl who isn't offended by those nick names, and I mean I suppose I could be but it's all in context. If I were into a boy who called me those things, yeah, might sting a little, for those who didn't catch on, those names aren't exactly feminine. But if it's just, the boys... who cares? I can't, who has the time or the energy to deal with that? Not me!
Anyways... Sydney tomorrow to party with Britney, then beach/film festival on sunday! I can't wait!!!!

The Ocean makes me want Summer at home...

Today was amazing... Went on the City to Surf bus tour of Sydney and got to explore and see all kinds of fun things. Also finally met Danielle who Ryan introduced me to so that is a definite plus. We went to a place where you can SEE the Sydney Opera House and Bridge, which I have made it a personal goal to climb and not just because Mary Kate and Ashley did either, that sounds like it would be amazing beyond all reason. Then we went to Bondi Beach where I saw the biggest waves I have ever seen in my entire life! So huge! But the beach was so beautiful, Sydney apparently has 17 of them and I plan on going to the beach a significant amount over the next 5 months. I need a tan! I feel like I'm one of the few people who didn't go tanning and get black before they came here... so not prepared. But we did see a man in a speedo, an old man, and he was rockin it... I gave him credit until he started doing stretches in which case I had to walk swiftly away because there was no way my laughter would stay silent. No way. I met a girl named Lauren who is from Canada, she and I went to eat at this place where we both got burgers where they had cucumber instead of pickles on them and they were so big I barely finished a little over half of it. Their ketchup packets are evil here. It is not that little baggie type thing where you rip the corner, you have to like squeeze this plastic thing together that looks like the stuff jelly comes in at ihop and such, it definietly exploded in my face. No lie! No warnings just BOOM ketchup on my face! How convenient lol.

Then we went to the Gap, which are these cliffs you have to go to in order to get to Sydney Harbour from the Pacific Ocean, (which is surprisingly blue by the way). Little detail I didn't need to know is that when people want to commit suicide, they often go there because you can easily climb over the railing and then leap to your death. Now, I'm no expert, but I think advertising that that is a problem, may give people ideas. But that is just me. It was so pretty there though. Lauren and I took so many pictures it was quite hard for me to narrow it down when I was uploading to Facebook. And as much as I just wanted to be near the ocean in all its glory, it really kind of just made me homesick and ready for summers at onset with people, even though that water is FAR from being blue.

I had my first glass of wine at a bar legally today. It was pretty good but with how summery it is here right now I really wanted something more fruity... unfortunately those were not a part of our free drink voucher. Tonight I am supposed to go out with my friend Mary but I'm so wiped out from the trip I may have to reschedule... totally dragging. Actually having severe problems concentrating on what I am typing right now. But I told her and she said it was fine. Kinda don't want to pass out though, that would be extremely lame! DEFINITELY going into the city this weekend to visit Britney for Mardi Gras though! Absolutely the best way to party before classes start! So excited for that! But anyway... All in all it was a great day. Except when I discovered that my straightener either doesnt work in the converter plug I have or the converter fried it... I hope it just doesnt work, but I have to go buy a cheap-o one for while I am here which I am not at all thrilled about but I'm sure it's fine.

Sidenote - Some people here are not trying to meet anyone at all. They either expect people to want to be their friend, or they only want to talk to people from their own country. I am definitely not a fan of that method at all. I will say however that there is one indian guy I know who never tells me his name when I ask him, who is a bit of a know it all and I am not a fan. Apparently it is appalling to him that I do not know what the meaning of my name is. Kathleen was nice enough to look that up. It means harvester and reaper. Thanks mom and dad. I appreciate it.

This Video is of Bondi Beach

"Oh Look McDonalds! I've always wanted to eat there!" and my Kitchen is a meth lab...

Officially here! After an excessively long flight, (15 + 7 + 6ish hours) finally got to meet some people on my trip. Cool people, funny people, and one of whom is from CSU who I have already met and will probably become a very good friend. Meaghan probably saved my life today and here is why...

Macquarie University Village has 2 sides, West and East... the pictures online are strictly of the West side so you think when you apply you are going to be paying a lot to live in a wonderful place... WRONG-O! The East Side looks like ghettoness. The West Side where Meaghan lives is fantastic, LIKE THE PICTURES ONLINE... ugh. Mine? They are made of bricks and storm drains, my kitchen really does look like it was once a meth lab stains all over the carpet AND my mattress, and because my room is the only one on the bottom level and the kitchen is missing the screens that are supposed to be there, guess who is the only one who is going to be bitten by bugs? ME! A few hours ago I was going to ask to be moved, I still might see if I can get over to the west side, but if I have to stay, I'll just have to make the best of it. It will make me all that more grateful of my other residences! Not to mention that after taking in my humble abode, I got to find out that I forgot numerous things such as razors, but my shampoo and soap exploded in my bag. Cool. My one roomie who is from Australia told me that the laundry place has like 11 machines and that half of them just eat your money and dont actually work. His name is James. He's cool and he has a swearing problem like me and enjoys american sitcoms. We will be pals. He also said that the apartment looked worse before they cleaned it, and that when they tried to mop the kitchen the sponge disolved... and the entire floor is like stepping in gum. Uh, gross?
My other room mates are a girl from France named Marine, a guy who from what James and I are guessing is India named Dewan, and then John who is from Turkey who no one has seen yet I guess. Marine and Dewan seem nice but I can't understand a word they say so this could get awkward, but hopefully my sarcasm will translate!
So anyway, Meaghan and I went on an adventure for cell phones today with a girl from Chicago with an accent just as bad as mine named Mary and another boy named I think Clark? I can't remember... oops. We all got the same cheap phone, which I can text and call internationally on it's just gonna be kinda, expensive. I can't remember the last time I had to pay as I went for anything and didnt just have unlimited text and calling... thanks alot verizon for not just allowing me to make my phone international for awhile! We were supposed to go to Clark and Mary's building on the other side of campus and up a ways for some drinking tonight but we weren't even out the door and it started to rain and thunder and we were soaked and got lost on campus so we turned and went back. It was a let down for sure but there is always tomorrow!
Macquarie's campus is beautiful... it's probably about the same size as CSU maybe a little bigger but its buildings are all together and then there are just tons of trees and plants and lakes. More of a green university than CSU will ever be both literally and with the recycling. No joke. Although James is probably the first australian student I've talked to while I've been here, none of the others are here yet or are avoiding the internationals... hoping its option 1 personally.
Oh the alcohol here, now that I can buy it legally (cool.. ish) they sell jack and coke in bottles! It was so cool! They have all these mixed drinks already made to go in bottles that would be like mikes hard lemonade size! Meaghan Mary and I decided to save all our bottles cash them in for recycling and then throw a rager at the end of the semester. You can buy them in like a single too, you dont have to buy the whole six pack or whatever. I love Australia!

Right now I need to make my bed... its almost 9 here and I am exhausted beyond all reason. Valentines Day tomorrow... so stupid.

7 effing hours

I definitely bought the day pass for the internet here... I can see ONE mountain out the window... Ugh. I can see a bunch of people who I'm pretty sure are going on my trip but I don't know if they are going to my school and if they aren't being a loner, they are two girls acting like the only people alive... so maybe I'll just see if I sit near one on the plane... Otherwise... Orientation? Yeah, orientation lol.
So, I'm watching Friends, season 10, laughing to myself looking like a freak I am sure, but oh well! This is me, and people can deal with it. My ipod needs to finish charging, I have a really long flight ahead of me and my ass already hurts... this is over 20 hours of travel people. And I have already discovered that I forgot my pictures and toothpaste. Good thing I have my favorite TV show to keep my mood up and classy. I'm still determined to make this my life when I'm older, although preferrably not in NYC.
I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL I GET TO SYDNEY!!!! I WANT MY APARTMENT AND WARM WEATHER AND NO MORE EFFING AIRPORTS FOR 5 MONTHS!!!!!

Ridiculous... Get me to warm sunshine and happiness... stat. Sooooooooo tired.

Here Goes Nothin...

I'd like to start this out by saying "Good Morning" but per usual, someone had to go and be a douche this morning and make me want nothing to do with anyone around me. It's really such a nice day too... Long story short I'll just say
Dear United Airlines, you hire the most rude and senseless people (minus ONE lady) and if you would like my business ever again you will either correct the problem or hire someone to speak english to me when they want to be a dirty bitch.
Yes, airline people are so rude. Not to mention that the Dunkin Donuts people next to the United checkin were rude as well. Thats exactly what I need after 2 days on minimal sleep and waking up at 6am, rude people. Lame. Nevermind that there are apparently still people on this earth who STILL don't know what you can and can't wear/bring through airport security. I don't know how many big bold signs that say "Take off your shoes and take out your laptops/dvd players" there have to be before these people can pull themselves into this decade and follow simple instruction. We are at a code level orange people, just like every day for the past 9 years, this is nothing new!
Anyway... Thankfully Logan Airport still has free internet and with a little help from my dear friend Brittany I can make sure I get to write out my thoughts along my way on this trip. 5 months in Australia? I'll be going crazy so I apologize in advance for my inevitable mood swings. Although I am sure that anyone who knows me has gotten used to them by now...
I know that this is going to sound like the dumbest thing ever, but honestly, I hope however many room mates I have are already at my apartment so I can run into my room, throw myself on my bed, and nap. The past 2 days I have spent with my sister and Makenzie being ridiculous and laughing so much it hurts, nevermind that I've spent the entire winter break staying up until at least 3am every night with my sister acting like little girls having a sleepover. I am beyond exhausted and I am not sure I can handle exploring or meeting people... I'm already a pessimist I dont know how many friends I will actually make if I'm grumpy and tired too! By the way as I'm sitting here there are already a minumum of 6 small children on my flight, it doesn't leave for an hour and a half but they better pass out or be quiet kids! It would be my luck that they be the little terrors that scream over everything. Birth control at its finest, I mean it.

So here it is people, the begining of my trip. I'm sure during my horrid 7 hour layover in San Fransisco I'll fool around with this a little more, but no one is forcing you to be here, remember that! By the way this thing is already on Sydney time... it's really Thursday February 11th... and its like 10am Boston time.