Oh how time flies.
It’s now been almost 10 months since I’ve moved
down under, and I can’t believe how quickly this year has gone by.
While I’ve happily settled into my daily
routine;
5am: Wake up to birds angrily chirping
5:25am: Rush to boxing class to get a black eye,
a nosebleed, and a helluva sweat
9am: Hit the spreadsheets at work (pivot tables
have become my best friend)
2pm: Schmooze with some colleagues
6pm: Drinks, dancing, or a BBQ
10pm: Pass out and repeat,
I still don’t really understand how I ended up
here. So much has changed in what feels like only a few months! Thankfully I’ve
had the opportunity to meet incredible people and make some great memories
along the way.
Although I’ve spent the majority of my time
exploring my new pad in Queensland, Australia, I had a surprise visit to make
back home in December – my brother Zale decided to get married! While I had to
FaceTime into the actual wedding in September, I made it in-person for the really
important part, the party.
Held at a Chinese dumpling restaurant with a
black tie-dye theme (i.e. grateful dead shirt meets oxford loafers), 45 hours
in the air was well worth getting to celebrate with the new hubby and wife.
Cramming in as much time with family and friends that I could, two weeks was
perfect for a quick pop in and giving my much neglected winter sweaters some
love.
After making it back to Aus from the party, I
had the chance to check out Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. Spending
Christmas surrounded by dingoes (wild dogs who occasionally eat children), 4WD
driving on sand highways, some gorgeous landscapes and new friends, it was easy
to understand why the aboriginals call the island ‘Paradise’, or K’gari in
their language.
Exploring the deserts and freshwater lakes on
the island were incredible, but unfortunately some of the wildlife was a bit
too friendly.
As a friend and I made it back to our tent at
2am after some drinks, we were quick to notice a spider the size of a truck
hanging out above her sleeping bag. The gale force winds and powerful thunder
set a mighty stage for the battle that ensued over the next hour between us and
the eight legged monstrosity that kept us from getting some sleep. Thankfully
after some strategizing, we cornered the beast into a bowl and threw it into
the night. You’re not eating me tonight, Spidey.
In other brief news, my folks came out to visit
and I got to show them around Brisbane and try out all the fancy restaurants I
can’t afford. Thanks Mom and Dad!
As another quick aside, in true Queenslander
fashion I had my first skin check after finding an interesting looking freckle.
After getting stripped and manhandled (would not recommend) by an overly
friendly doctor, I can happily report that I am skin cancer free!
That’s all I have for now! As always, I’d love
to hear from you on updates and things going on in your lives.
Drop me a line, or shoot me an email. Can’t wait
to catch up.
Zev
