A Journey to Thirty

Just like that, my twenties have disappeared. I feel as though I've squandered too many days. In saying my goodbyes, I've come to realize how fortunate I am to have so many wonderful people in my life.
I get caught up in isolation and monotony; I miss too many moments. It has been in these goodbyes that I feel regretful of the moments that I missed with these people. Not to say that I haven't had great times, because I certainly have! Just not enough. I'm sad to leave my wonderful friends, but this journey to Australia has made me painfully aware of how much I love them.

I began writing my first blog just before I left for Australia 🇦🇺. With the big 3-0 on the horizon and living my life in solitary splendor, my appreciation for what I have has become so prevalent my clear. I am lucky for everything in my life.

My wonderful friends and family from home: I MISS YOU!!

To reflect on my first weeks here in Australia, here is a quick overview of what I have learned so far:

1. Always get an aisle seat. Unless you enjoy being smashed into a wall without the ability to touch your toes for 14 hours straight. Not to mention only being able to use the washroom when the lovely couple next to you decides to or having to wake them up because you waited too long.
2. In Australia, they say bathroom or toilet. It's endearing to them when we say washroom. I'm going to keep saying it in an effort to demonstrate my Northern exoticism.
3. Two cats are better than one. My roommate has two cats of her own which has helped to fill the hole in my heart left by my little fur balls. Honestly, the greatest cause of any twinges of being homesick has come from thinking about them. I can talk with my human friends. To them, I'm just gone.
4. Canadian camaraderie is real. I've met a few down here and the instant connection and willingness to help out is unparalleled. From the girl I was randomly paired up with at the gym to my teaching collleagues, to the servers and bartenders I've met along the way, the fellowship has been undeniable. I feel like we could make a Molson Canadian commercial out of my experiences.
5. Being a small town girl living in a massive metropolis means you're going to get lost. More than once. Live and learn, right? One of my public transit mishaps led to me exploring a beautiful beach while I waited for the next bus.
6. Sometimes you have to make do with a floor bed and the lesser than fine things in life.
7. You're never too old to try new things and put yourself out there. I've just been thinking about how being in this situation is forcing me to learn and helping maintain the malleability of my mind. Monotony and routine lead to mental decline and rigidity. This was certainly happening to me back home. I was getting caught up in my ways. Trying to navigate has made me use my brain in ways that I haven't had to in years. So far, I've had the pleasure of learning how to paddleboard, enjoys tapas in the park (with a little wine) with a diverse group of expats, playing volleyball with another diverse  group of expats followed by a shared Pakistani dinner, and using Uber the first time when I missed my train stop for some reason that did not involve alcohol. Breaking out of the mold is important for me. I thrive under pressure and I need experiences like this in order to not grow stagnant. 

I've had some headaches when dealing with paperwork- mostly because I hate it so much, not because it's been difficult- but everything is nearly in order. I begin work tomorrow! I'm very excited to see how things compare in the Australian classroom! Ms Deremiens Down Under!!

Please hold me accountable for writing this blog!! Im notorious for starting things like this and leaving them unfinished. I'd like an account of my adventures here!