Well, I think it's been about 7 weeks since my last update, so it's about time.
Life is good. I am doing a few things work-wise. The first and best is working at Lululemon, a yoga-inspired athletic wear company. They make amazing clothes and have this incredible philosphy of health and wellness. The people are fantastic, and I really enjoy being at work. Check them our at www.lululemon.com . You should go to their goals page and set some goals for yourself, it's really motivating.
The second thing I'm doing is teaching dance classes/ helping to open a dance studio. It's going okay. My first few classes were tiny disasters. Nothing major, but pretty much no one came to the first one, and the second two people I kind of know came, and it didn't go very well. It was allright, but not what I had hoped it would be. That comes down to me not being very prepared to teach, and needing to work on my teaching style. So, I will, and hopefully it will be great soon. I think I tried to pack too much into a class, and it didn't leave me enough time to actually anything. So, I am re-doing my lesson plan, and trying again on Wednesday. I've also decided to only teach one class a week until I feel that they are going well. I am however hiring new teachers this week, so hopefully they can teach great classes while I learn how to do so. It's fun being a part of all this though.
I also published an article in the new edition of Global Woman Magazine. It was a feature story entitled "Visionary Women: Mission to Save the World." Apparently you can pick up a copy of the magazine in every 7-11 or Hudson News in the U.S. and Canada, but my mom can't seem to find any in the 7-11's in MD, so if you find one let me know. It will be the first edition of the magazine (that's what it will say on the cover) because they have a whole new look. Next issue I should have this fashion story coming out, which is pretty cool.
Rob and I bought skateboards, long boards actually, and are zipping (slowly) around town on them. We love it, it's a really fun means of transportation. We're also getting into yoga in a bigger way than before, partly because of lululemon inspiration.
That's a wrap for tonight. Going to watch Babel, which seems like an intense but good movie. Happy Mother's Day mom!
Love,
Sandra
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Beauty Tip
Vitamin C + E serum. This is the absolute best thing I have ever used. It makes you have perfect skin. Downside: it smells a bit funny, and looks a little orange on, so just put it on for a few hours when you have time at home and no one is around.
It's wonderful!
Love,
S
It's wonderful!
Love,
S
Monday, March 9, 2009
In Like a Lion
Today starts the beginning of visitor season! Well, tomorrow actually. The Burleys (Rob's mom and dad) arrive tomorrow evening. Ioana and her boyfriend are here for a month too, they've rented an apt nearby. I think they're probably landing as I type, and I'm guessing are seriously jet lagged. Then Mark, my mom and Randy, my dad and Heather, Sarosh and Anushka, and then later in the year, Todd. I am going to go stock up on some Australian treats for all our visitors to try.
We had an incredibly fun weekend. Went to the Belgian Beer Garden on Friday night with some new friends, and made some new friends while we were there. It started out as a quiet drink, and turned into a really long, fun evening. Then on Saturday we went to the zoo to hear a U2 Tribute Band. The lead singer attempted to look like Bono (brown ear length hair, sunglasses), but didn't really manage it, or sounding like him. The back up band was great though. We had fun seeing the lions while they played (we didn't manage to see the rest of the zoo). The lions were incredible. It was dusk so they were roaring and running around. I would love to see them in their natural habitat on a safari some day. (Don't worry mom, I'll be safe :))
We had the day off on Monday, so we just hung around Melbourne and went for some walks and did some shopping. We played Wii Rock Band, a present from my brother, which is turning out to be the most fun game ever. I actually have blisters from playing the drums so much.
I've had some job ideas, so am going to try to make them work. I'll keep you posted if anything happens from that. It's not easy, and moving around a lot doesn't help. It seems strange to network and job hunt now, we only have 6 more months here. So I'm going to do the best things I an do with this time. I have a good idea, so hopefully I can make it happen.
Rob has managed to takl me into doing a mini triathlon in 3 weeks, so I've roped Mark in, and we're all going to do it together. I've never really swam freestyle in the ocean for more than 3 strokes, so it will be a new thing, and hopefully pretty cool.
Oh, I didn't get the Island Reef job. I was in the most popular videos for a long time, but then they shortlisted a few people, and sadly I wasn't one of them. Oh well, I tried, and I'm glad I did. That's okay, I mea, who wants to go live for free on a tropical island and get paid $150,000 to try out hotels and swim in the ocean, and feed the fish? Not me, that sounds horrible :) Lucky person who gets to do it.
We decided last night that the best option for us is to win the lottery, so that we can do what we want to do, where we want to do it. With family and friends all over the world, but mainly in the US and UK, we need a lot of money to go back and forth and see everyone often, so we came across the brilliant plan of winning the lottery. Perhaps you've thought of this yourself? Anyways, we also came up with the genius realization that we probably won't win unless we play. So, I'm buying a ticket today.
Wish me luck, and good luck to you,
Sandra
We had an incredibly fun weekend. Went to the Belgian Beer Garden on Friday night with some new friends, and made some new friends while we were there. It started out as a quiet drink, and turned into a really long, fun evening. Then on Saturday we went to the zoo to hear a U2 Tribute Band. The lead singer attempted to look like Bono (brown ear length hair, sunglasses), but didn't really manage it, or sounding like him. The back up band was great though. We had fun seeing the lions while they played (we didn't manage to see the rest of the zoo). The lions were incredible. It was dusk so they were roaring and running around. I would love to see them in their natural habitat on a safari some day. (Don't worry mom, I'll be safe :))
We had the day off on Monday, so we just hung around Melbourne and went for some walks and did some shopping. We played Wii Rock Band, a present from my brother, which is turning out to be the most fun game ever. I actually have blisters from playing the drums so much.
I've had some job ideas, so am going to try to make them work. I'll keep you posted if anything happens from that. It's not easy, and moving around a lot doesn't help. It seems strange to network and job hunt now, we only have 6 more months here. So I'm going to do the best things I an do with this time. I have a good idea, so hopefully I can make it happen.
Rob has managed to takl me into doing a mini triathlon in 3 weeks, so I've roped Mark in, and we're all going to do it together. I've never really swam freestyle in the ocean for more than 3 strokes, so it will be a new thing, and hopefully pretty cool.
Oh, I didn't get the Island Reef job. I was in the most popular videos for a long time, but then they shortlisted a few people, and sadly I wasn't one of them. Oh well, I tried, and I'm glad I did. That's okay, I mea, who wants to go live for free on a tropical island and get paid $150,000 to try out hotels and swim in the ocean, and feed the fish? Not me, that sounds horrible :) Lucky person who gets to do it.
We decided last night that the best option for us is to win the lottery, so that we can do what we want to do, where we want to do it. With family and friends all over the world, but mainly in the US and UK, we need a lot of money to go back and forth and see everyone often, so we came across the brilliant plan of winning the lottery. Perhaps you've thought of this yourself? Anyways, we also came up with the genius realization that we probably won't win unless we play. So, I'm buying a ticket today.
Wish me luck, and good luck to you,
Sandra
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Magic and Memories
Last night we went to hear the band Coldplay in concert here in Melbourne. It was a really special evening, great music, which we heard with our great friends Ryan and Lindsey. This band is so talented, and they put on such a great show.
They have this one song, called Yellow, that has been banned from our house for the past two years, because it makes me really sad. When my Grandpa Roy was very, very sick at the end of his life, Rob and I were in a phase of listening to Coldplay, because it comforted me. The song Yellow for some reason reminded me of me grandpa, and I wished there was a way that I could have him hear it, I thought it would be comforting to him too at that time. But I didn't make it over there in his last few days, he died a few days before I was due to fly out, and after that I can't listen to that song without crying, because it reminds me so much of him at that time, and how much I love him. It also makes me really regret not flying a few days earlier, it would have made all the difference. So, I haven't been able to listen to that song since he died.
However, they played it last night, and I knew it was probably coming. It was so beautiful. As soon as it started I teared up, and then these incredible big yellow balloons filled with yellow confetti starting bouncing around the room. There were tons of them, enormous, and they would float across the crowd, and people would bounce them across the arena, and when they popped they showered this yellow confetti all over the crowd. It was so magical, and these yellow balloons made me think of my grandfather, and that he was there in that. I really felt like he was there. And it was this beautiful reminder of him, and even though I couldn't stop from crying, I also smiled because it was like my own celebration of him and the person he was.
To see a video of this (which was taken at the concert the night before we went) click on thi YouTube link below. You'll want to start the video two minutes into it, the first part of it is Chris Martin talking, then they get to the song. This version is definitely not as good as the one on our night, and also you can't really hear it that well because the person is recording it with their digital camera and you can mostly hear them, not the band, but you get the picture. We were standing down in the crowd on the floor, so all of the balloons were right above us, and all we could see was yellow and these balloons. It was really moving, and the version they did with our crowd was really emotional, while this one is less so. But enjoy, it was really nice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvF6O3Dmg88
Love,
Sandra
They have this one song, called Yellow, that has been banned from our house for the past two years, because it makes me really sad. When my Grandpa Roy was very, very sick at the end of his life, Rob and I were in a phase of listening to Coldplay, because it comforted me. The song Yellow for some reason reminded me of me grandpa, and I wished there was a way that I could have him hear it, I thought it would be comforting to him too at that time. But I didn't make it over there in his last few days, he died a few days before I was due to fly out, and after that I can't listen to that song without crying, because it reminds me so much of him at that time, and how much I love him. It also makes me really regret not flying a few days earlier, it would have made all the difference. So, I haven't been able to listen to that song since he died.
However, they played it last night, and I knew it was probably coming. It was so beautiful. As soon as it started I teared up, and then these incredible big yellow balloons filled with yellow confetti starting bouncing around the room. There were tons of them, enormous, and they would float across the crowd, and people would bounce them across the arena, and when they popped they showered this yellow confetti all over the crowd. It was so magical, and these yellow balloons made me think of my grandfather, and that he was there in that. I really felt like he was there. And it was this beautiful reminder of him, and even though I couldn't stop from crying, I also smiled because it was like my own celebration of him and the person he was.
To see a video of this (which was taken at the concert the night before we went) click on thi YouTube link below. You'll want to start the video two minutes into it, the first part of it is Chris Martin talking, then they get to the song. This version is definitely not as good as the one on our night, and also you can't really hear it that well because the person is recording it with their digital camera and you can mostly hear them, not the band, but you get the picture. We were standing down in the crowd on the floor, so all of the balloons were right above us, and all we could see was yellow and these balloons. It was really moving, and the version they did with our crowd was really emotional, while this one is less so. But enjoy, it was really nice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvF6O3Dmg88
Love,
Sandra
Monday, February 16, 2009
This Week in Melbourne
Yesterday I tried to volunteer for the Victoria Bushfire Appeal manning the telephone lines to take donations, but they closed Saturday at midnight. That's good, because it means they probably have raised enough money by now. Australians have raised millions to help the victims and to re-build the damages, and the firefighters are projected to be able to fight more of the fires down this week, due to better weather (which I think means less hot and less wind). Although, we do have a smoke prediction forecast for Melbourne today, which if it's anything like Saturday means the city will be choked with smoke. Hopefully this passes soon.
This weekend we flew up to Canberra to entertain some government clients of Shell's at the symphony. It was a really beautiful concert, and the conductor was hilarious, which made the music very accessible for everyone. He really explained each peice before he played it, which was so cool. For instance, in one he said "this peice starts out at the river, you'll be able to hear the water. Then it takes you to a wedding, and you can hear the celebration. Then it continues down the river, and finds some animals. Then it travels down the river again, and night falls. Then we will take you back to morning, and end along the river." Isn't that beautiful? And you really could hear it in the music.
Today I'm doing some mock interviews for Accenture, which is training for their managers, but they are paying me to do so, so that's good.
I'm covering L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Week next month for Global Woman, and hopefully a few other outlets. I have press passes, and am doing pre-interviews with some of the leading women in each field globally. CEOs of H &M, L'Oreal, Saatchi & Saatchi, it should be great. I seem to have gotten myself into something big, so hopefully I can do something big with it. I'm also bringing along a friend to act as my photographer, so that will make it a lot of fun. I can't wait, it's Australia Fashion week essentially, so we get to go to the runway shows and all sorts of really cool events. The coolest are actually the business ones with interesting talks from these global CEOs about how we can still be effective in our fields in this financial crisis.
xx Sandra
This weekend we flew up to Canberra to entertain some government clients of Shell's at the symphony. It was a really beautiful concert, and the conductor was hilarious, which made the music very accessible for everyone. He really explained each peice before he played it, which was so cool. For instance, in one he said "this peice starts out at the river, you'll be able to hear the water. Then it takes you to a wedding, and you can hear the celebration. Then it continues down the river, and finds some animals. Then it travels down the river again, and night falls. Then we will take you back to morning, and end along the river." Isn't that beautiful? And you really could hear it in the music.
Today I'm doing some mock interviews for Accenture, which is training for their managers, but they are paying me to do so, so that's good.
I'm covering L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Week next month for Global Woman, and hopefully a few other outlets. I have press passes, and am doing pre-interviews with some of the leading women in each field globally. CEOs of H &M, L'Oreal, Saatchi & Saatchi, it should be great. I seem to have gotten myself into something big, so hopefully I can do something big with it. I'm also bringing along a friend to act as my photographer, so that will make it a lot of fun. I can't wait, it's Australia Fashion week essentially, so we get to go to the runway shows and all sorts of really cool events. The coolest are actually the business ones with interesting talks from these global CEOs about how we can still be effective in our fields in this financial crisis.
xx Sandra
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Vacation
Hello. I hope everyone is great. We've had a really full last month, and it's been busy and wonderful.
We just got back from a 2 week holiday. We spent one week in Maryland visiting family and friends, and then flew to St. Croix for another family holiday and my dad and Heather's wedding. It was such a great two weeks. I've updated our photos on our attached Picassa site.
At the moment I am doing a few things. One is writing, for Global Woman magazine, my book, a movie script (we'll see), and some other things. L'Oreal is going to give me some press passes to cover their fashion week here, so I'm hoping to write some articles for a few magazines out of that. Yeah free tickets! I'm really looking forward to that, coming up in March. Runway shows, interesting guest speakers at marketing events...the best will be a Marketing Breakfast where the worldwide head of Saatchi and Saatchi is giving a talk about the upcoming marketing trends for 2009 as they relate to the global financial crisis. I'm hoping I can write some articles for a few media outlets about that. Also this dance thing is probably happening soon. The studio is getting set up, so as soon as it's ready I can start teaching. Now to learn how to teach dance....
I'm sure you've heard about the bushfires going on in Australia. They are terrible, really tragic. We're far enough away that it hasn't affected us personally, but it has destroyed a lot of the surrounding area to Melbourne. It's really sad how many people how been injured or killed. Australians have really come together though and there are huge fund raisers happening already to raise money for people who were affected.
It's sunny and warm here, so I'm going to go do some writing outside. I have to say though that Rob and I loved being in winter in Maryland a few weeks ago. There is something about the smell of winter, and being warm inside that is so magical. So enjoy it.
love,
Sandra
We just got back from a 2 week holiday. We spent one week in Maryland visiting family and friends, and then flew to St. Croix for another family holiday and my dad and Heather's wedding. It was such a great two weeks. I've updated our photos on our attached Picassa site.
At the moment I am doing a few things. One is writing, for Global Woman magazine, my book, a movie script (we'll see), and some other things. L'Oreal is going to give me some press passes to cover their fashion week here, so I'm hoping to write some articles for a few magazines out of that. Yeah free tickets! I'm really looking forward to that, coming up in March. Runway shows, interesting guest speakers at marketing events...the best will be a Marketing Breakfast where the worldwide head of Saatchi and Saatchi is giving a talk about the upcoming marketing trends for 2009 as they relate to the global financial crisis. I'm hoping I can write some articles for a few media outlets about that. Also this dance thing is probably happening soon. The studio is getting set up, so as soon as it's ready I can start teaching. Now to learn how to teach dance....
I'm sure you've heard about the bushfires going on in Australia. They are terrible, really tragic. We're far enough away that it hasn't affected us personally, but it has destroyed a lot of the surrounding area to Melbourne. It's really sad how many people how been injured or killed. Australians have really come together though and there are huge fund raisers happening already to raise money for people who were affected.
It's sunny and warm here, so I'm going to go do some writing outside. I have to say though that Rob and I loved being in winter in Maryland a few weeks ago. There is something about the smell of winter, and being warm inside that is so magical. So enjoy it.
love,
Sandra
Thursday, January 15, 2009
What's been up with the Burleys (the Australian contingent)?
Ah, well my computer crashed last night as I uploaded a really long blog about what's been happening in our lives, so that's a shame. I'll do my best to re-create that today.
Job news:
I'm applying for this job www.islandreefjob.com which is currently making global headlines. That would be pretty cool. However, in the slighly unlikely chance that I don't get (they are expecting about 10,000 applicants) I haven't put all my eggs in one basket.
I have an offer to teach dance classes at a new studio that is opening. I know what you're thinking- um, are you even qualified to teach dance? Here's what I've learned in the past few weeks by going to some yoga and dance classes. Most people are qualified, if you've had years of dance. It's really not that hard, and as long as I teach beginner classes that are not very technical, no accredidation necessary. I've been to a few here and thought, this if nice, but I can do better. So, starting when we get back from holiday I'll hopefully be teaching some classes.
I have a couple more job possibilities on the line too, so depending on whether I get a full-time job at an ad agency, or a part-time thing somewhere else, I'll be happy and busy for the next 8 months.
Last week it was so hot one evening that we went down to the beach on Tuesday night and went for a swim (with everyone else in Melbourne). There is so much coast though that there was plenty of room. It's cooled off a bit now, but temps are going to soar next Monday, which means we'll be in the water after a picnic dinner.
Melbourne really knows how to do summer, and we can't wait to start in on all the activities on offer here. We really want to make the most of it, it has the potential to be one of the best ever. We're also going to learn how to sail, buy a little boat, and explore the southern oceans (or bay, or lake, depending on how good we get). We hopefully start lesons when we're back from DC and St. Croix in mid-Feb. So, that's life as up to now!
Hope you're all well, and see some of you very soon in Maryland! Btw- the financial crisis sucks, yes, but I hear there's lots of good shopping deals! Rob and I are going to be all over that. Oh, and in global politics news, we are getting up at 3:30 am on Thursday to watch the inauguration live. We can't wait, we think it will be a historic moment. Yeah Obama! He has a lot to do now, but not such big shoes to fill.
Lots of love,
Sandra
Job news:
I'm applying for this job www.islandreefjob.com which is currently making global headlines. That would be pretty cool. However, in the slighly unlikely chance that I don't get (they are expecting about 10,000 applicants) I haven't put all my eggs in one basket.
I have an offer to teach dance classes at a new studio that is opening. I know what you're thinking- um, are you even qualified to teach dance? Here's what I've learned in the past few weeks by going to some yoga and dance classes. Most people are qualified, if you've had years of dance. It's really not that hard, and as long as I teach beginner classes that are not very technical, no accredidation necessary. I've been to a few here and thought, this if nice, but I can do better. So, starting when we get back from holiday I'll hopefully be teaching some classes.
I have a couple more job possibilities on the line too, so depending on whether I get a full-time job at an ad agency, or a part-time thing somewhere else, I'll be happy and busy for the next 8 months.
Last week it was so hot one evening that we went down to the beach on Tuesday night and went for a swim (with everyone else in Melbourne). There is so much coast though that there was plenty of room. It's cooled off a bit now, but temps are going to soar next Monday, which means we'll be in the water after a picnic dinner.
Melbourne really knows how to do summer, and we can't wait to start in on all the activities on offer here. We really want to make the most of it, it has the potential to be one of the best ever. We're also going to learn how to sail, buy a little boat, and explore the southern oceans (or bay, or lake, depending on how good we get). We hopefully start lesons when we're back from DC and St. Croix in mid-Feb. So, that's life as up to now!
Hope you're all well, and see some of you very soon in Maryland! Btw- the financial crisis sucks, yes, but I hear there's lots of good shopping deals! Rob and I are going to be all over that. Oh, and in global politics news, we are getting up at 3:30 am on Thursday to watch the inauguration live. We can't wait, we think it will be a historic moment. Yeah Obama! He has a lot to do now, but not such big shoes to fill.
Lots of love,
Sandra
Sunday, January 11, 2009
New Article Out
Check out my article in Global Woman Magazine
http://www.globalwoman-magazine.com/reviews.html
This one is a short review of a film, The Women.
Next month: Women Visionary Leaders: Mission to Save the World
http://www.globalwoman-magazine.com/reviews.html
This one is a short review of a film, The Women.
Next month: Women Visionary Leaders: Mission to Save the World
Sunny Days Are Here Again
So far 2009 has been really good, as was this past weekend.
On Saturday we had planned a trip down the coast to the beach to recapture the fun that we had in Sydney body boarding in the waves. Well, you know how it is, you wake up late, think about doing something, and then the whole day has suddenly passed by. Nicely however. We spent a really relaxing Saturday just enjoying our apartment, and then heading out for classic date night dinner and a movie. We saw Marley and Me which was really good. Exactly, exactly like the book. Even if you're not a dog person I think this movie might trigger a laugh and a tear.
Sunday we decided that no matter what we'd get up and out and hit those waves. So, we got up, brushed our teeth, jumped into clothes, and pulled back the shades. Ah, no sun. Overcast and cloudy. Not really what we imagined for a day on the beach. So, we had a leisurely breakfast, Rob attempted to beat what looks like a really hard game on thw Wii (and I say looks hard because fun is not the right word, it involves a lot of yelling and swearing on his part, although I have to believe he's really enjoying it). After he could take the frustration of the game beating him for no longer (he will get there though, and I think it might even warrant a bottle of champagne, this game has been an ongoing menace in his life), we looked out the window and wow, sun! So we sunscreened up, hopped in the car, and drove about an hour anf a half down the coast. We bought some body boards (note: Do not call them boogie boards, Australian people will laugh at you), and a long sleeve wetsuit type thing (called a rash vest) for me to keep my skin from turning all shades of the rainbow.
We had an amazing time in the surf. These waves were HUGE! I couldn't even get close to some of them because they were so big they felt like tidal waves (I exaggerate, but really, they were big). So I caught them just after they broke and surfed into shore (on my belly, because this isn't actual surfing), and grinned the whole way. Actually, every time I caught a wave and rode it into shore I grinned so much that I swallowed vast amounts of salt water. All worth it though, it was like a mini- holiday. We had such a great day, and came back feeling like we'd been away for a week.
Now I'm waiting on a potential work call, but don't get too excited, because it's 9:30 am and it hasn't come yet. But I'll keep you posted, and you keep your fingers crossed.
love,
Sandra
On Saturday we had planned a trip down the coast to the beach to recapture the fun that we had in Sydney body boarding in the waves. Well, you know how it is, you wake up late, think about doing something, and then the whole day has suddenly passed by. Nicely however. We spent a really relaxing Saturday just enjoying our apartment, and then heading out for classic date night dinner and a movie. We saw Marley and Me which was really good. Exactly, exactly like the book. Even if you're not a dog person I think this movie might trigger a laugh and a tear.
Sunday we decided that no matter what we'd get up and out and hit those waves. So, we got up, brushed our teeth, jumped into clothes, and pulled back the shades. Ah, no sun. Overcast and cloudy. Not really what we imagined for a day on the beach. So, we had a leisurely breakfast, Rob attempted to beat what looks like a really hard game on thw Wii (and I say looks hard because fun is not the right word, it involves a lot of yelling and swearing on his part, although I have to believe he's really enjoying it). After he could take the frustration of the game beating him for no longer (he will get there though, and I think it might even warrant a bottle of champagne, this game has been an ongoing menace in his life), we looked out the window and wow, sun! So we sunscreened up, hopped in the car, and drove about an hour anf a half down the coast. We bought some body boards (note: Do not call them boogie boards, Australian people will laugh at you), and a long sleeve wetsuit type thing (called a rash vest) for me to keep my skin from turning all shades of the rainbow.
We had an amazing time in the surf. These waves were HUGE! I couldn't even get close to some of them because they were so big they felt like tidal waves (I exaggerate, but really, they were big). So I caught them just after they broke and surfed into shore (on my belly, because this isn't actual surfing), and grinned the whole way. Actually, every time I caught a wave and rode it into shore I grinned so much that I swallowed vast amounts of salt water. All worth it though, it was like a mini- holiday. We had such a great day, and came back feeling like we'd been away for a week.
Now I'm waiting on a potential work call, but don't get too excited, because it's 9:30 am and it hasn't come yet. But I'll keep you posted, and you keep your fingers crossed.
love,
Sandra
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Catch a Wave and You're Sitting on Top Of the World
Our photos are now updated, so just link on the link above to see what we've been up to.
Our New Zealand trip was great. We spent 9 days on the South Island driving around and seeing beautiful things. We hiked up a glacier wearing crampons on our feet, which was incredible. The ice was so white it was blue. We did some adventure sports in Queenstown, which you'll see in the photos. Jet boating was fantastic (pictures to come soon), while canyon swinging was terrifying and incredibly satisfying to have down. We really loved this country, and the natural beauty of it, the people, and the laid back state of mind that awaits you upon arrival makes it such a nice place to holiday. Or live. If we were both best-selling authors we would probably buy a house there and spend three months a year writing there. It's a place that inspires.
For New Year's we went to a great party downtown that one of our friends threw, and watched the fireworks at midnight. They're no Sydney fireworks, but they were pretty special. We had the most incredible view, and it was such a glam evening. Seeing the city so alive and throbbing was amazing too. There were half a million people downtown (supposedly). It took us 45 minutes to walk three blocks along the river, it was really something. I don't think either of us have been "out" on NYE, so that was nice to go be in the middle things.
This past weekend we went to Sydney. What a city. We stayed with friends of ours and spent half our time on the beach, half in the city. They live 2 minutes from a great beach, so we spent a good deal of time body boarding. It was the most fun we've had. It's like yoga. Yoga is supposed to be something that is relaxing because it makes you focus on only that, which I never actually find with yoga. Well, sometimes. This however does just that. You are so focused on catching your next wave, jumping the ones in between, and riding one back to shore when you do, that you are really in the moment. It is such fun, and we now know how we'll be spending most of our weekends here. Tonight we're actually goign to drive along the coast here in Melbourne to see what spots are best here. This is definitely the way to experience Australia.
We saw old friends and my cousins while in Sydney, meeting for meals and drinks overlooking the opera house. It's as impressive and interesting architecturally in person as it is in pictures. Although, slightly smaller than you'd think because in real life it is next to an ENORMOUS bridge that dwarfs it a little. It's really lovely, and the city is just built around beautiful views and waterways.
Hope 2009 is going so well for everyone.
Love,
Sandra and Rob
Our New Zealand trip was great. We spent 9 days on the South Island driving around and seeing beautiful things. We hiked up a glacier wearing crampons on our feet, which was incredible. The ice was so white it was blue. We did some adventure sports in Queenstown, which you'll see in the photos. Jet boating was fantastic (pictures to come soon), while canyon swinging was terrifying and incredibly satisfying to have down. We really loved this country, and the natural beauty of it, the people, and the laid back state of mind that awaits you upon arrival makes it such a nice place to holiday. Or live. If we were both best-selling authors we would probably buy a house there and spend three months a year writing there. It's a place that inspires.
For New Year's we went to a great party downtown that one of our friends threw, and watched the fireworks at midnight. They're no Sydney fireworks, but they were pretty special. We had the most incredible view, and it was such a glam evening. Seeing the city so alive and throbbing was amazing too. There were half a million people downtown (supposedly). It took us 45 minutes to walk three blocks along the river, it was really something. I don't think either of us have been "out" on NYE, so that was nice to go be in the middle things.
This past weekend we went to Sydney. What a city. We stayed with friends of ours and spent half our time on the beach, half in the city. They live 2 minutes from a great beach, so we spent a good deal of time body boarding. It was the most fun we've had. It's like yoga. Yoga is supposed to be something that is relaxing because it makes you focus on only that, which I never actually find with yoga. Well, sometimes. This however does just that. You are so focused on catching your next wave, jumping the ones in between, and riding one back to shore when you do, that you are really in the moment. It is such fun, and we now know how we'll be spending most of our weekends here. Tonight we're actually goign to drive along the coast here in Melbourne to see what spots are best here. This is definitely the way to experience Australia.
We saw old friends and my cousins while in Sydney, meeting for meals and drinks overlooking the opera house. It's as impressive and interesting architecturally in person as it is in pictures. Although, slightly smaller than you'd think because in real life it is next to an ENORMOUS bridge that dwarfs it a little. It's really lovely, and the city is just built around beautiful views and waterways.
Hope 2009 is going so well for everyone.
Love,
Sandra and Rob
A Side Note
Usually I wouldn't promote anything on a blog that you probably read to see what Rob and I are up to, but just wanted to flag this to anyone who is interested.
Around the holiday season Rob and I try to donate to a few charities, and I think this one is a particularly worthy one if you are ever looking for something good to donate to.
It's called Somaly Mam, and the stories behind it and what they are doing is so good, and thank goodness people are trying to stop atrocities like this around the world.
This is an article describing what they do and why. It's pretty graphic, I'm sorry to say, but I think worth reading because it's important to know what's going on underground, so that we can help out in whatever way we can. There are countless worthy things to help out with, but sex trafficking is very close to my heart, I think it is just truly atrocious, and I care very much about helping to end.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/01/opinion/01kristof.html?_r=3&th&emc=th
Here is their website http://www.somaly.org/
Stay tuned for a regular update soon :)
Around the holiday season Rob and I try to donate to a few charities, and I think this one is a particularly worthy one if you are ever looking for something good to donate to.
It's called Somaly Mam, and the stories behind it and what they are doing is so good, and thank goodness people are trying to stop atrocities like this around the world.
This is an article describing what they do and why. It's pretty graphic, I'm sorry to say, but I think worth reading because it's important to know what's going on underground, so that we can help out in whatever way we can. There are countless worthy things to help out with, but sex trafficking is very close to my heart, I think it is just truly atrocious, and I care very much about helping to end.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/01/opinion/01kristof.html?_r=3&th&emc=th
Here is their website http://www.somaly.org/
Stay tuned for a regular update soon :)
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2009 and Feelin Fine
Well, Happy New Year everyone. I hope that you all had great NYE's, and that once and for all aren't making resolutions that we won't keep. That's my New Year's resolution actually. Just to enjoy life and stop making promises to myself that don't have to be so tied in with dates. Too much pressure. So 2009 is about enjoying life, accomplishing some big things, and smelling the roses.
We had an amazing time in New Zealand over Christmas. If you look at our updated Picassa site you can see the pictures. Stories to follow in another post.
New Year's Eve was spent at a very swanky party here in Melbourne, and was really lovely. New Year's day consisted of watching most of the Bourne trilogy movies, followed by playing some Wii and a very quick workout. And a walk actually, so a good balance of coziness and exercise.
Today we are off to Sydney for the weekend to see some friends of ours and finally see this amazing city. We've seen it from the air, and it looks stunning. I'm sure there will be more pictures to follow this weekend.
Have a great one, and a happy, healthy, and beautiful 2009.
Love,
Sandra and Rob
We had an amazing time in New Zealand over Christmas. If you look at our updated Picassa site you can see the pictures. Stories to follow in another post.
New Year's Eve was spent at a very swanky party here in Melbourne, and was really lovely. New Year's day consisted of watching most of the Bourne trilogy movies, followed by playing some Wii and a very quick workout. And a walk actually, so a good balance of coziness and exercise.
Today we are off to Sydney for the weekend to see some friends of ours and finally see this amazing city. We've seen it from the air, and it looks stunning. I'm sure there will be more pictures to follow this weekend.
Have a great one, and a happy, healthy, and beautiful 2009.
Love,
Sandra and Rob
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A map of Australia
So you can see where we are (bottom right)
