Wiiiiiiiiii.

So it's my birthday right. I suppose it had to happen sooner or later. I've really been dreading this one. For some reason I just can't be happy about the fact that I've turned 30. Mik keeps telling me that 30 is nothing, he is going to be turning 40 in 3 and a half years. It's different for a girl though. Our brains work differently when it comes to aging, I swear it!

I did get a kick ass birthday prezzie though. I got a Nintendo Wii! What an awesome gift. We had the best time this weekend virtually playing tennis, boxing and bowling! It's all almost better then doing the real thing. I'm even sore as hell!


My Wii arm is broke.

Much anticipated update!

(Ginormous wooden horses and 17,594 miles from home)
(Just some good ol' fashioned Easter fun!)
(WE LOVE THE BEACH!!!!!!!!!!!!)
(This is where the wedding magic will be happening, provided the weather cooperates!)



Just so everyone knows. We are alive and well. Things have just been so crazy here. With me settling in, organizing a wedding, looking for a job, etc....

When I first arrived it was blazing hot here, but thank the Lord for AC because we survived it! With out burning to a bloody crisp too. We've been going to millions of farmers markets and I've been to the beach numerous times. Things are quite grand at the moment. I am just really loving settling into my life with Mik. I never knew normal life could be so satisfying!

Well, anyways, before the masses start projectile vomiting I will leave you with some photos (and captions) of what's been going on.

Cleland Wildlife Park

Here's what we've been up to so far. Hope all are well. Updates soon.

Sorry folks, for lack of a decent post. Things are busy here as you might expect with my moving to the other side of the planet and all. I am leaving Roc-city here in a few days. Saying goodbye to my home of over a year. I am going to spend some "quality" time with my parents. Which I am sure will mainly consist of my parents working and me snuggling up with a cat or five. Ah, it's alright. It will give me a chance to relax before some of the madness starts up. Not saying that moving over to Australia is madness, but there is lots to be done when I arrive. Such as PLAN A WEDDING! I think we have three months left to pull this shin dig off. I know we can do it. Especially with the help of Miks family. Anyways, hope you all are happy and healthy. If I don't post within the next few weeks you know why.

Don't worry though, there will be plenty of wild, wonderful and wackyily adventurous photos coming. Mik promised me he would take me to go hold a koala. There will be OODLES of photos of that.

Sorry cow milk, our relationship has to end, I'm with Soy milk now.

So this past week or so I've caught up with some friends I used to go to high school with via the internet. It's been shocking at best and slightly disturbing as well. Dredging up old memories for me can be hard from time to time. Especially when I was so close with these people and we drifted apart as we did. It really wasn't for any particular reason just life taking us down very different paths.

I am happy though, to be caught up with my friend Renee. We were the goofiest bunch of idiots together always being loud and boisterous not giving a fuck about what other people had to say about us. Now she is living in the city with another friend of mine from high school and living our dream when we were kids. Personally now, I wouldn't live in the city if you paid me. But it's awesome she is making things happen there.

There was also discovery that the guy I went to the prom with is two hairs shy of being famous. He's a successful sculpture, video producer, and big time animal activist. It's so weird to see some of the videos that he has produced, Some of the artistic ideas that come flowing from his brain. I keep thinking, was he like this when we were friends in high school? I knew he was incredibly talented, but I guess I couldn't see farther than where we were at the time.

Anyway, I was watching one of his friends "vegan parenting" videos and became interested in the idea of Soy milk. What struck me was a women was talking about cow milk. She said "cow milk is meant for baby cows, not for human consumption" I thought to myself, it only makes sense! So tonight my roommate was telling me about how her baby has been getting rashes because of my roommate drinking cows milk (she's breast feeding so whatever mum eats baby eats in a way) so she had decided she was going to try out Soy milk. So, that's when I decided if she buys, I will try it, if it's good, I will drink it in substitution for cows milk.

She just got home from the grocery about a half an hour ago, let me tell you. Soy milk is YUMMY. It sort of has a rice pudding taste. With out the lumps of rice of course. It even comes in chocolate and vanilla. I think it is going to be well worth the extra couple of bucks. Although I am not willing to go 100% vegan. I think it's a fantastic alternative to cows milk. Especially with all the hormones they are injecting into cows now, to make the produce more milk or grow bigger in general.

So, KUDOS Soy milk. Erica is on your side.


*I am sure the opinion I expressed here is not necessarily one that Mik will agree with. I think if he tastes Soy milk though he will thoroughly enjoy it and make the switch with me. I am just crossing my fingers that Australia has jumped on the Soy milk wagon and it isn't hard to find.

Cool or Not?

Ok, so today I mentioned to Erica (I'm not how this topic got raised in the first place)about making a lamp out of old CD's and DVD's, or what are commonly called coasters from failed burning etc.
Laugh at me she did...then threatened to "accidentally" break it if I did make one:(
Now, from these pictures (which are not mine incidentally), I'd like peoples opinions about said subject. Please even ask other people who are not visitors to this blog. Would you have something like this in your lounge room or wherever?

Interesting and offbeat Aussie stories.

Kangaroo farts could fight global warming: scientists

Posted Thu Dec 6, 2007 1:19pm AEDT
Updated Thu Dec 6, 2007 2:28pm AEDT

Livestock passing wind contribute a surprisingly high percentage of total emissions. (File photo) (Getty Images: Phil Walter)

• Map: Brisbane 4000

Australian scientists are trying to give kangaroo-style stomachs to cattle and sheep in a bid to cut the emission of greenhouse gases blamed for global warming.

Thanks to special bacteria in their stomachs, kangaroos' flatulence contains no methane and scientists want to transfer that bacteria to cattle and sheep who emit large quantities of the harmful gas.

While the usual image of greenhouse gas pollution is a billowing smokestack pushing out carbon dioxide, livestock passing wind contribute a surprisingly high percentage of total emissions in some countries.

Queensland Government senior research scientist Athol Klieve says 14 per cent of emissions from all sources in Australia are from enteric methane from cattle and sheep.

"If you look at another country such as New Zealand, which has got a much higher agricultural base, they're actually up around 50 per cent," he said.

Researchers say the bacteria also makes the digestive process much more efficient and could potentially save millions of dollars in feed costs for farmers.

"Not only would they not produce the methane, they would actually get something like 10 to 15 per cent more energy out of the feed they are eating," Dr Klieve said.

Farming view

Even farmers who laugh at the idea of environmentally friendly kangaroo farts say that it is nothing to joke about, particularly given the devastating drought Australia is suffering.

"In a tight year like a drought situation, 15 per cent [more energy] would be a considerable sum," said farmer Michael Mitton.

But it will take researchers at least three years to isolate the bacteria before they can even start to develop a way of transferring it to cattle and sheep.

Another group of scientists has suggested Australians farm fewer cattle and sheep and just eat more kangaroos.

The idea is controversial but about 20 per cent of health-conscious Australians are believed to eat the national symbol already.

Peter Ampt, from the University of New South Wales's Institute of Environmental Studies, says the meat has health benefits.

"It's low in fat. It's got high protein levels. It's very clean," he said.

"It doesn't get drenched. It doesn't get vaccinated. It utilises food right across the landscape. It moves around to where the food is good. It's a good food."

- AFP

Prostitute offers sex for charity

Posted Fri Nov 30, 2007 1:06am AEDT

A high-class Chilean prostitute touched by a charity telethon's bid to raise money for handicapped children has stepped forward with her own contribution - 27 hours of sex.

That's how much paid sex work the escort, Maria Carolina, has said she wants to contribute to the Teleton association.

The money she earns from the marathon session, scheduled for November 30-December 1, will go to the charity, Ms Carolina said.

She said she would post a picture of the bank deposit slip on her website afterwards to dispel any doubts.

"I am going to contribute with my work to a purpose that touches me deeply," Ms Carolina said.

She has spread her message through several online sites and television programs.

But the administrator of the Teleton foundation, television presenter Mario Kreutzberger, has thrown cold water on the proposition, saying it falls well outside his moral guidelines and he cannot accept it.

Ms Carolina, though, said she was determined.

"How can someone question a person who wants to put her job at the service of a noble cause?" she asked.

- AFP

Wedding dresses, sitar up for grabs in 'dead letter' auction

Posted Sat Nov 24, 2007 9:16am AEDT

• Map: Melbourne 3000

Two wedding dresses are among a range of unusual items up for sale today, at Australia Post's annual auction of undeliverable mail in Melbourne.

There will be 15,000 items auctioned, including a sitar, a saxophone, and 27 coffee machines.

Australia Post spokesman Don Elgin says the auction lots are just some of the 8,000 items posted every day without the correct address.

"Unfortunately people haven't found out about the addressee's correct address, they haven't put a return address on there and so they end up in what we call a dead letter office, basically the end of the road," he said.

Busting my ass and a clean bill of health.

So false alarm I suppose. Went to the walk-in clinic today and they said. "Erica you have no blood in your urine." I asked him three times if he was sure. SO there you have it. I am healthy. As far as kidney health goes. Other than that though, on Monday or Tuesday, who knows now that the days blend together , but anyway, I was on my way to work and was so proud that I hadn't slipped and busted my ass (because the sidewalks were treacherously slippery) I was walking along and BOOM! I busted my ass so hard sprained my effing ankle, bloodied up my knees ( see photos above). At first I didn't think I could walk on it. But I said to myself OK get your effing ass up Erica, you CANNOT be late for this shitty retail job. So I got up, shook myself off. Bit my lip and pulled my scarf up under my eyes and cried hysterically all the way to work. I swear I didn't think I could stop really. My ankle is still screwed up and I stand on it all day because I have to. I don't know. I am really hating life right now. I just can't wait until I can move out of this place and finally just be happy.

K, so enough ranting. I'm done.

Goodnight folks and have a good rest of the week.

Today was good. I cleaned all day though nothing better then the sheen of a clean and waxed floor. It was kind of payment for my roommate letting me borrow her vehicle for the immigration physical tomorrow. I just want to get it over with really. I am so nervous. Every time I have to go to the doctor for any reason I get nervous. Everything has been going so well with Mik and I, With the immigration progress. Anyway, I can't think of even the possibility of us not having a life together. It will and IS going to happen.

Happy Anniversary Angel

It's been two years already since we first bumped into one another on the internet Erica, and here we are, despite the distance, the heart ache, longing and pain, about to start our lives together, finally. I don't know what my life would be like now if I hadn't met you, but I do know my life is certainly richer and much happier with you in it.

I love you and adore you, my beautiful angel, and I can't think of anyone else I'd rather spend the rest of my life with.

Love you always, in all ways.

Mik

Budgie Smuggler

Ok folks the phrase for today is Budgie Smuggler. Which in Australianese means Speedos. According to a first hand source (Mik) this person says, the phrase came about when someone noticed that it looked like a man was smuggling Budgies (a small bird) down his pants whilst wearing Speedos. Personally I think it's the most hilarious phrase ever.

Use it folks, at least once today, make me proud.

One of these days....

One of these days I will be on one of those planes, heading towards the land down under. Kangaroos, wallabees, monster mosquitos, and plague proportion bunny rabbits. Oh and not forget Mik. It seems like we've been waiting forever for the home stretch, now with in the next few months (probably February or somewhere around that) we will finally be together again. It will be like Christmas for me, the anticipation, the happiness.

I am sure some of you get bored with hearing about our little love thing. But I can't help it, I seriously have not been this happy in all my life. There's always one defining moment in someones life, weather it be to keep them alive, set them on a career path, or just a special moment that defines us. I swear it Mik is mine. Anyway, you just have to bear with me a few more months, then we will both be posting about my wild and wacky adventures in bizarro world.

Kids Games And Cool Uniforms.

Ok, Erica's been kinda bugging me to put some photos up of me playing paintball, because she thinks I look hot or something in my get up. So here you go baby, this is for you, and I apologize to anyone who thinks otherwise:P

Color Poll

Ok so the above are a couple of photos of where Mik and I are going to have our reception if that helps in choosing a color for our wedding.

The plan is to get chair covers to brighten up things, as it is a bit dark in the room. As well as candles and loads of flowers.

Thanks for your help in choosing our wedding colors!


By the way if the colors I've chosen in the poll aren't in your ideas when you see the photos leave me a comment for your vote.

Mall Hell Part Trois The Final Beginning

Anyways,



At least I am mentally prepared for it today. Plus it's rainy and crappy all day so I suppose it isn't so bad being stuck inside and working all day. Maybe if I just keep telling myself that it will get better through out the day. Besides, this weekend will be sort of lonely seeing as it is going to be me and a miniature chiuaua. What a creepy name for a creepy dog.

As for the rest of my weekend, not many plans but bunkering down and relaxing. I was invited to a party Saturday night, but I am not planning on going, I've been quite anti-social the past few weeks and I'd like to continue down that path I suppose. Besides I wouldn't really have a way to get there, as you all know I walk, no sense in buying a car when I am leaving the country. My friend offered to have someone pick me up but this "party" starts at like 8:30 at night and it would suck if I wanted to leave an hour later and had to wait until my ride was ready to go. So, alas, it's watching t.v. with the little dog.


Hope everyone else has a more eventful weekend then myself.

Oh an yes! Mik submits our immigration paperwork tonight (Saturday morning in Aussie-land)! Prayers would help.

Us.

For those who like putting a face to a name, here you go.


Ps. I'm the one on the right:P

A Matter Of 5 Seconds...

So, off I drove to work this morning, with the voice of Erica telling me to drive safely ringing in my ears (:p), as she does every morning, and drive safely I did. There I was minding my own business, coming up to a blind corner, eyes straight ahead, sitting on a sedate 100kmh, when up ahead I noticed a car come screaming from the other direction, watched it as the arse end of the car slid out, looked on in horror as it shot across the road and into an embankment, did a full two spins and ended up facing the way it was supposed to, but in the verge on MY side of the road.
"OH FUCK!"
I slowed down, not really wanting to stop for the fear of what I might find, but felt I had to after what I'd just witnessed, to see if the driver was ok and needed help. It was some young guy, early 20's, badly shaken but generally fine, with a now smashed up car. The front end had been stoved in a bit, the exhaust had been ripped a full 90 degrees and was poking out behind the rear left tyre. He'd just missed sliding the car into a big drainage ditch, which in my opinion would have made him end up in hospital, or worse, and I told him so, adding "how lucky he was".
The car was bogged in the grass, so I helped him get it out, which we did after I told him how to use the rocking method, which he'd never heard of. He thanked me for stopping and off we went on our way again.
All morning I kept thinking "how lucky he was" until it suddenly occurred to me..."Fuck him! What about me?" IF I had been 5 seconds earlier into my trip to work, I would have plowed head-on into this idiot as he spun out and crossed onto my side of the road. I would have had my engine sitting in my lap. I, in all likelihood would not be posting on here for a time to come...if I was lucky. Which it seems I was, this time.
Having thought about this all day, a number of things came to my mind as to the cause of this "near-hit", although I'm no expert.
First, the fucker was speeding, of that I have no doubt. The sudden way he appeared from around the corner, and the speed he appeared to be doing as he came unstuck makes me believe he would have been doing at least 120kmh. Ok, I'll admit I've taken that corner close to that...but not in the fucking WET!
Which brings me to point number two. It's been really dry here, no decent amount of rain for weeks if not months, until last night and this morning. Roads in these conditions get a nice build up of shit on them: oil, rubber, dirt, you name it. Add a sudden layer of water to that, an off-camber corner and it's a cocktail for an inexperienced speeding driver to suddenly become a passenger in an out of control car, and a threat to others who share these same roads.

My point in all of this rant is: be a dickhead driver for all I care. Just don't involve anyone else in your stupidity when shit hits the fan.

Ps. Angel, I love you so much. You are always on my mind, more so today, if that's possible. Always, in all ways.

Green Zone Secured.

Just a little update on my war against ter...umm rabbits.

There looks to have been multiple attempts from the bordering nations to infiltrate the Green Zone, but as of 3:30pm today the new security measures have withstood the onslaught and no incursions have been reported. Thus far the surge seems to be working, and conditions on the ground are improving as we speak.

I am committed, as is my garden to see this fight through to the end. I know and understand there will a lot of deaths, but it's a risk I'm prepared to take, for the freedom of all green, nutritious and delicious things growing in the ground.

They may be cute to some....

So, I finally got off my arse and made myself a vegie patch, and fenced off that entire corner of my property, because of the feral, scum sucking, blood thirsty, virulent and murderous little fluffy four legged marauders that invade not only my garden, but have also in the very recent past made a nice home underneath mine.

The fencing worked a treat...until they started digging from my yard into my neighbours, then mosey on along about 2 metres up the fence, then back under, into my so called "Green Zone".
So, today was the final straw. I dug a trench along the fence where they were entering the restricted area, rolled some wire mesh up with enough sticking up out of the ground to nail to the fence, and buried it.
Unless those little arseholes learn how to use wire cutters, they're going to be shit outta luck. It's been an hour, so far, so good.

Now, are they retarded or just spiteful? Can't they take a hint that they are not welcome to my radishes and baby carrots? Or am I going to have to start playing dirty, and give them a fatal dose of lead poisoning?

I know that last statement will garner some heat, because "they're soooooo cute". Try this, please. Type "rabbit plague" into Google image search. Not so cute and harmless eh? I personally fail to see anything remotely cute about the images that come up.
This is what happens when something that "breeds like rabbits" is let loose in a country where there are no natural predators.

They may be cute to some, what we hunters call "Bambi Syndrome", but to me, they're the bane of my life and the only lush greenery I have, and I WILL WIN THIS WAR!!!

A place has been booked. I have no idea what it looks like. Pictures will be coming within the next "couple of days". I am sure Mik has picked a suitable venue for our wedding and I trust him fully. So I am excited to see what this place looks like.

To be continued....