Saturday, January 22, 2011

Australia Vacation 2011


Every year I make the long journey for my vacation to visit my sister Lori and her family in Australia.  Its summer there which is the perfect time to go and escape the winters here in Chicago.

I love going there because there is so much to do and see beside getting to spend so much time with the family.  As I recover from jet leg and being back in the cold frigid winter I look back on what I did while I was there. Unfortunately I got sick right before I left Chicago.  My sister took me straight to the clinic not far from their house.  I paid a reasonable amount for the doctor to conclude I had an infection.  I was given a prescription and sent on my way.  I was pretty impressed with the health care system there.

1. Saw really cool show at the world famous Sydney Opera House called Soap.   Was amazing show and my first at the Opera House.

2. Went to see an exhibit by Annie Leibovitz at the MCA 
3.  Watched movie from New Zealand called Boy outside at the Olympic Park.  Was a very sweet film and I miss seeing movies outside.
4. Trip to the Snowy Mountains.  Hiked up Mount Kosciusko which is the highest peak in Australia, explored Yarrangobilly caves and took a dip in a natural spring pool.What a beautiful area of Australia!




5. On the way back from the Snowy Mountains we stopped in the capital of Australia which is Canberra.  We went to the National Gallery and saw exhibit called Ballet Russes.
6. We then went up to the Central coast and enjoyed a few days at the beach! Can't get enough of the beach and we even saw a school of dolphins.



7.  On the way home we stopped at one of Sydney's famous pastery chefs Adriano Zumbo's cafe.  Wow! Famous for his macaroons.
Also made a stop at the chocolate place called Belle Fleur.  My sweet tooth is satisfied!

I am so grateful to my sister Lori and Russell, Emma, Grace, Kate (extra thanks for letting me sleep in her room), and Adam for letting me stay with them and taking me to see and experience so many fun and exciting things and just being able to relax. I miss them already!!

And I have adopted Lori's annual pick a work for the year and mine is LOVE. Love you guys!


Sunday, January 2, 2011

Happy New Year! 2011 Here I Come!

                                                                  
I don't really make resolutions but I do like to like to think about the year ahead and what I want to accomplish.

1.  Smile more.
2.  Have a budget and stick to it.
3.  Have more adventures.
4.  Have more peace.
5.  Paint my bedroom a different color and reinvent my living space.
6.  Go on a long car trip somewhere I've always wanted to go.
7.  Take some martial arts classes.
8.  Take some long walks.
9.  Eat slower.
10. Live in the moment more.

Hope everyone has a healthy and happy new year.