I apologize for this very much overdue blog. The past few weeks I've been struggling with incorporating my old life back home into my new life in Australia...and communication with family and friends has been lacking because of it. I've always been the "organized" one of the group - I have my color coded planner outlining study schedules, tasks that MUST be done, tasks that SHOULD be done and even day to day activities. My god, one day I almost caught myself writing down: "things to do: shower!" I know....completely embarrassing. I like to make plans and know where things are heading. Well, last year in Columbus this type of lifestyle finally got a little too boring for me. I spent more time throughout my dietetic internship stressing about my studies and where my life was heading than actually enjoying the fact that I lived in a fabulous apartment downtown, right around the corner from my family and friends that I love. I'm 23, why should I feel old or bored when really - my life is just beginning!!I'm also an over thinker...surprise surprise. When I was accepted into my internship in Columbus verses my other hopeful prospects in Boston or Charleston...I was constantly thinking "well how does this change things? what would my life have been like in Boston?" What if. What if. What if. Luckily enough, I had my best friend come along for the ride in Columbus. Em and I are in many ways complete opposites - which is why our friendship remains so strong. Last year, when I was stressing about my internship and had the idea in the back of my mind to move abroad....I had a best friend living with me that simply came home one day and was like "hey, I'm doing this". If it wasn't for both her spontaneous and fearless personality, I don't think I'd ever have the courage to do this....and look where I've ended up!! Christa just sent Emily and I both a card that read, "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." This couldn't be more true. Life is a complete adventure for me right now. I look back on my quick conversations to my mom...as I'm literally sprinting to work...and they're absolutely hilarious. The "how are you going" question (yes, in Australia it is 'going' not 'doing') turns into "well I ran out of clothes so I need to go to the laundry mat, a homeless man took my package - don't worry just the food not the necklace, the landlord yelled at me 5 times about my overdue rent, my Swedish roommates won't stop playing Madonna downstairs, there's a new mouse in my kitchen....but no worries mom, everything's great! - going out with friends after work - can't talk!" This lifestyle couldn't be MORE different from my comfortable, day to day lifestyle back in Columbus.
Emily's last blog was called Sliding Doors, titled after one of my favorite movies. We were talking about this movie the other day because I felt like I had reenacted one of the opening scenes. I was SPRINTING down Southern Cross Station to catch a tram to meet a dietitian. Let me preface this - the week before I completely forgot about our coffee date and stood this woman up...who was going out of HER way to meet me. Fail. She for some reason, very kindly decided to reschedule. I couldn't miss this train. I literally jumped off the escalator onto the platform and squeezed into the doors as the were sliding shut. Phew, I made it. The movie is based on the question people ask themselves, "what if". What if Emily didn't move to Columbus? What if I didn't come to Australia? The over thinker in me could go mad by constantly disputing which decisions would lead me where...which brings me back to my first apology for lack of updates. For once, I'm trying to not think about the "what if" and instead, live in the 'now'. I'm running around like crazy, still attempting to be my organized self, but also trying to live in the moment and enjoy my life in the present.
Two weekends ago, Emily and I traveled up to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. We went to visit our friend, Corey, who we met on the plane ride over to Australia. Random right?! Who knew that a random coincidence of sitting next to an 24 year old Aussie on the plane would lead to great friendships and a weekend of experiences that would never have occurred otherwise. To sum up: I learned "the proper" way to eat Vegemite; watched Corey, his friends and world champion wake boarders compete; stayed in a penthouse suite overlooking the Sunshine Coast; drove to Somerset dam in the middle of what looked like the"safari" of Victoria; boated until the engine burst; rope swung into water full of dead fish; played more Jenga than I ever have in my life; saw an owl and learned how to wake board!
One month ago I could have given you a deadline of when I'm coming back home. Now, I have no idea. Honestly, I don't even want to be bothered thinking about it. The decision will eventually come soon enough - and for now I am enjoying this beautiful place with the great friends I'm able to share it with. If I could give any advice to friends and family, it would be to step out of your comfort zone and take a chance. It might be a scary, confusing path...but you never know where it might lead or who it might lead you to!
Missing everyone back home, oh and see you in one week :)
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