Happy Anniversary!

Tuesday was Valentines Day and Joel and I's third anniversary. I woke up to my chef cooking me breakfast, my favorite chocolates, and cards from my sweetie and my parents (which Mom had tucked away for me).


Since we got married on the beach (in Ocho Rios, Jamaica) I decided there was no better way to celebrate then by going to the beach. It was too windy to swim, so we just walked along the shore.


While walking down the beach we got a call from one of the apartments we had applied at, the Marrakesh. We got it! Extra reason to celebrate. We can move in tomorrow. We headed over and got all our rent papers signed and got the keys. It's a one bedroom unit, fully furnished including our own laundry, and the building is super nice. It has an indoor and outdoor pool and hot tub, a rooftop terrace and a gym. It's just on the border of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, so it's a little quieter area then being on the main drag. It's only a block from the beach! The supers are really sweet. We had originally planned on renting a two bedroom, as that's what we were used to back home, but quickly learned that the two bedrooms in our budget were in not so nice buildings. This one is a decent size, we'll just have to be very organized.

(More pics to come later)
We decided to head back to the mall in Robina to pick up some home stuff. The apartment comes with basic kitchen supplies, but we needed to buy our own linens. It was fun to pick out new things! We got nice towels, sheets and pillows, as well as some hangers and a T-fal (called Te-fal here) pan for Joel. I can't wait to use our new pillows- the ones at the hotel are crap!
After shopping we unloaded all our new purchases at the apartment, then headed back to the hotel to chill in the hot tub. We showered and got dressed up to go out for a nice dinner, then walked into Surfers. At this point it was nine o'clock, still a reasonable dinner time in Canadian restaurants. In Australia, however, it is not. After walking up and down the main strip, we realized that all the restaurants had stopped serving food! Only a few pubs serving booze only were open. We were both super hungry and had no food left in our fridge so had to go to the only place that was still open- McDonald's. How romantic. At least we were able to take our food and sit outside overlooking the beach. Most importantly, we were together. (Last year Joel was in BC with in dying Nana). We will have a dinner in lieu tomorrow.

I Hate Aussie Internet!

Today was a bit of a frustrating day. We started by looking at two more places- one super tacky, the other very nice. One of the realtors was a bit slow and thought our accents sounded British. Right... We put an offer on the nice one so now are waiting to hear back on two places, hopefully by tomorrow. I'm ready to unpack my suitcase! I applied at two salons. I'm a bit disappointed, half the salons I've looked at online are now out of business!
Next we went back to Australia Fair, a nearby mall. I actually hate it, it's very ugly. We tried to get an internet stick (hotels here don't have wi-fi and stupid Jimojo is too expensive). Since we have no address yet we can not get one! Joel was getting annoyed now. We wanted to apply for jobs, so found a McDonalds (they all have free wi-fi) to search the net at. Since we were there I decided I deserved a McFlurry. They didn't have my usual oreo, but I could choose from marshmallow, bubblegum, or double fudge. I went for the fudge. The fudge was hot! It cost me double the price as at home.


Anyway, the internet didn't work! Now Joel was pretty PO'd. We tried another McD's, still no luck. So off to Starbucks. However as Melba is outdated, she took us to a random office, not a Starbucks. By now Joel was miserable so we gave up. To lift our spirits, we headed out to Robina. They have a fancy mall there. We were able to get an internet stick there! Unfortunately the stores all close at 5:30, so that was all the shopping we got done. We did however get massages from the mall massage chairs- much needed!!! Anyway, this mall looks pretty awesome, Southgate beware!!! The only store they are missing is BCBG, but I am told there is one somewhere in Australia.


Tonight we went back to our favorite Italian takeaway restaurant. Got some good wine at our liquor store. Who told me booze was expensive here??? My wine was eight bucks- good yellowtail stuff too!
On Saturday night we did end up going out. We walked from our hotel on Chevron Island to downtown Surfers. (We are actually in Gold Coast City but no one calls it that. The neighborhood you're in counts as your area). We found a nice Italian place and had a great supper. Dad, just want you to know, our dinner was only $60 at this nice place! That includes two glasses of booze each, an ap and dessert. Pretty happy when that bill came out! And no tipping the waiters here!


Yesterday we didn't do too much as it was Sunday and most things are closed. We went for a few more groceries at Coles. They don't have any of the laundry soaps or toilet paper we're used to at home, so had to try something new. Then we drove out to Broadbeach (the neighborhood south of Surfers) and walked down the beach. It is not as blue as the Carribean, but the water sure feels nice. It was good just to hear the crashing of the waves.

We both started getting a little panicky last night. We still don't have jobs, a home, or a car yet. We have to check out of our hotel on Wednesday. Today we get the car rental extended for another week. I printed out resumes and every salon in Surfers so tomorrow I hit the streets!

Settling In

Yesterday it was time to hit the pavement and start looking for a place to live. We had two showings set up in the morning, but thanks to Melba we ended up way off course and missed the first one. After that we literally walked the whole of Surfers and just went into any building that we liked the look of to see if they had any furnished apartments available. It was a long day of looking and walking in the hot sun. Found a few place we liked, but some are higher then our intended budget.

Today is a chill day. Joel left this morning at six am to go golfing. I'm sitting outside on our huge patio enjoying the morning and going to be reading my Aussie Cosmo. Later we're going to drive down to Burliegh Heads, another suburb of Gold Coast City. As it's Saturday maybe we'll do something cool tonight.
I'm finally able to upload a few more pictures, so here's an update.

The beach at Surfers Paradise.


The view from our hotel of downtown Surfers. At night all the building get lit up.


Day one's grocery receipt. Aldi is not as fancy as what I'm used to at home. There is no cereal that I eat at home here! Have to be adventurous...

We're Here!

*The internet is super slow at our hotel, so not sure how many pics will load up.*

Good evening from Paradise! We landed in Brisbane yesterday afternoon and so far so good! Our flight from Vancouver was a breeze thanks to some immovane. Luckily we had a night flight, so by the time we arrived we weren't too jet lagged. I believe we are eighteen hours ahead from Edmonton, so I am writing from the future!
We rented a car at the airport and I'm so glad! We have so much luggage it would have been a nightmare to carry it on the train. Joel adjusted pretty well to driving on the left side of the road. The only thing he had trouble with was the signals- they are on opposite sides fhen in Canada so every time he signaled he turned on the wiper blades.

It was sunny when we arrived but when we arrived in Surfers Paradise it was clouding up. Our hotel is nice but has no elevator, so we had to carry three fifty pound suitcases and golf clubs up three flights of stairs (well Joel did, I took the carry on size stuff). Our hotel is nice and has a huge balcony with a view of downtown Surfers. After settling in we decided to cruise around and check out our new home. We did check out the beach, but it starting raining so we didn't go in the water.


We also had our first grocery experience. I heard mixed reviews on the prices, so here's the truth! If you go to a large supermarket, it's basially the same as home. If you go to a corner convenience store, it is way more. (I will post some receipts later for anyone curious). We also stopped for booze. My bottle of champagne (would I drink anything else?) was twelve dollars (this is including tax) and Joel's six pack of Heineken was about the same. Something cool here- some restaurants allow you to bring in your own booze! We found a nice Italian place nearby and I enjoyed my champagne thinking of my Mom (champagne is our thing).


This morning we were greeted at six am by bright sun in our windows. We headed out for breakfast, then it was time to get down to business! First stop- ANZ bank to open our own Aussie bank accounts. My Opi would be proud- he told us to check them out as he had an account with them thirty years ago and they had awesome interest. They still do today at 4.9%. I got a pink card. When we got back to the car we had a parking ticket!
Next stop was the mall for phones. Our GPS, Melba, is outdated so this took some "recalculating". Once there we got pay as you go plans with Virgin. Joel got a cheapie phone. I had my LG unlocked before leaving home, but when I put in my new SIM it is still locked to Rogers! So no texting me yet, sorry.
In the afternoon we looked at our first apartment. It was a total dive, despite what the realtor said. We have two showings booked for tomorrow and a few more next week, so fingers crossed.
Currently Joel is cooking dinner and this evenings plans are to write resumes, check out salons and look at cars for sale.
Oh, I almost forgot! Here are the top news stories for today- 1)a bank was robbed by a lady wearing a straw hat with black paint on her face. 2) a bottle bin was robbed by an old man. I thought that was funny compared to all the murders in Edmonton!

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

See you next year Canada!

One More Day: Raise Your Glass

I can't believe we're already leaving tomorrow! This has been a crazy week of packing, mini panic attacks, surprises, tears and goodbyes. I can't wait to get on that plane tomorrow and know everything is in line and we are on our way! Here's what I was up to my last week...

On Monday the Applauz staff took me out for a goodbye dinner at Nello's south-side. I have such wonderful co-workers! My boss, Jacki, got me a Coach key chain and wallet- my first Coach items ever!- which I was pretty excited about. Russ surprised me with a Pandora bracelet with beautiful charms. I also got some cash for the trip and nice goodbye cards from the other girls. I think I'm pretty lucky to have co-workers that care so much about me!

I spent all day Tuesday with my Mom. She helped me get a start on my packing (basically she packed my first suitcase while I worried about what to bring). Let me tell you, packing your life into two suitcases is no easy feat! Then we went out to do what we do best- shopping! My favourite store, BCBG, was having a big 60% sale, so we didn't do too much damage to our wallets. After we picked up Auntie Faye and went to dinner at Continental Treat. We always go there for Cosmopolitans so we had to go one last time before I leave. (The staff there know us as the "Cosmo Chicks".)

Wednesday after work Merrisa and I headed out to Mrkt for appetizers and drinks. This was supposed to be a monthly ritual, but this is only the second time we've got around to doing it! Now we'll have to do wine dates via skype.

Friday and Saturday were tough days. On Friday I had to say goodbye to some of my favorite clients and then it really hit me that I was leaving. I had my last shift at TM and some of the regular ladies surprised me with a going away gift. It feels good to know I've made so many friends there! I will definitely miss being at TM- I always looked forward to being there. My shifts were always full of laughs and good company from the staff and croppers, and it was my stress free, chill out zone. And I love all the fun product of course!

Saturday was my last day at Applauz. I did ok saying goodbye and packing up, but when I went to say goodbye to Merrisa the tears started and they kept on going when I said goodbye to Jacki. I've been working there for the last six years and it's always been a great place to be, so it was sad to say goodbye. After it was goodbye to my Grandpa and most of Joel's family. It was a long and emotional day and it felt so good to crash in bed after!

Today I went to Jill's Bridal Shower. It was a good shower with some fun games and awesome swag in the gift bags! Jill made me an awesome going away card. I will sure miss KK and

Jill-i-an!

Somebody else I will miss alot? My car! not sure what's happening with it yet, but my Mom really wants it so I'm hoping she can buy it!

Now I'm all packed. Both my suitcases weigh in at 49.6 pounds. I've got a backpack (I swear I'm not a loser, my laptop wouldn't fit in anything else!) full of entertainment for the flight and a little suitcase full of clothes and make-up in case my luggage gets lost (a constant fear of mine). Tomorrow I'm going to relax and enjoy my last few hours with my family!

One More Week: Getting Closer!

Last week was another busy one. I've been fighting a flu bug and have not had my regular energy, which has made me get really panicky about going (I'm prone to panic attacks). Now it's time to start thinking about packing, which is a tough enough task for me for a week or two, let alone a whole year! How am I going to pick which shoes I love most to bring and which stay behind??? I was also starting to feel bad for leaving people behind. I worry that my parents will get lonely, I'm sad to sell my beloved car Wolfie, and that people will fill the gap I've left behind. I had a nice talk with my Dad and he helped calm me down. He said everyone can take care of themselves here and that there is skype and phones and texts and if he gets really lonely he can come visit. He said don't stress about everyone in Edmonton, just enjoy my time and adventure away. I'm still stressing about packing, but amazingly that little talk lifted a big weight off my shoulder.

I've also been saying goodbye to all my clients. Since we booked this trip so quickly, alot of clients have been getting surprise announcements that their appointment today is their last one with me for a year! Everyone is really excited for me. A few are sad and are trying to figure out if they can fly down to Australia for a haircut and write it off as a business expense! I am very lucky, my clientele is full of wonderful people who I always look forward to seeing. Here are two of my very favorite blondes, Amber and Robin (they are identical twins). They love my family and joked that they would adopt my parents while I'm gone.


On Sunday Mom threw a family "Bon Voyage" party for Joel and I. It was weird to say "see you next year" to people I'm used to seeing all the time! We had prosecco, appetizers, and Aussie colored cake pops, which were so good.

My Godparents, Greg and Barb.My speical boy cousins, Jeff, Will and Paul.
They are all younger then me but much, much taller.My cousin Larissa.