Linda's Life in Links

Busy little bee am I.  Still no pictures so therefore I am going to use one of several other wonderful means to give you a little perspective into my life here in Melbourne, Australia. Thanks to google maps I didn't need to take a picture of my house cause here is the link 
View Larger Map.

I am still working at Q cafe during the days ( be sure to click on the link and check out all the great pictures of my little work space). I will have you know that I am the official focaccia sandwich maker!  I don't think a day goes by that I don't have some sort of interesting story after working at Q.  If it isn't the interesting people I work with it is the people that come in each day. It is simple and perfect as I save for a little travel :)

As for my night gig I work at Denn Restaurant. It reminds me of this place I use to frequent on a weekly basis in South Africa. It is fun and there are lots of great people that work there. 

The weather officially turned to Winter today. We pulled out the heaters and bundled up. And though what may seem as completely contrary to my previous statement I just started a garden! I am excited about its potential prospects but hold not too high of hopes as I have yet to prove myself as a successful green thumb.

I have been able to indulge in Melbourne's abundant music scene as of late. This past week I went to see Tim Rogers and the Temperance Union .  He is the lead singer of the classic Australian band You Am I.  I have yet to become a fan of You Am I but have been thoroughly entertained by Mr. Rogers both times that I have seen him. I also was fortunate to have tickets The Drones sold out show! The Drones are huge in the independent scene here in Australia, though I did catch them on their America tour with Band of Horse early last year. If you get the chance check out the links to both Rogers and The Drones. Next Friday I am going to see a band called Laughing Clowns. I have never experienced them first hand but Mike and friends recently attended ATP (All Tomorrow's Parties) and were blown away by these guys. They are playing at an amazing venue downtown Melbourne that I have been dying to go to! 

Been playing lots of guitar. I officially can no longer feel the tips of my fingers. I have completed "Blackbird" and I am now working on Cat Stevens "The Wind". I have a ways to go but loving the chance to pick up the guitar and play.

I miss you all and hope you are doing well. Mike sends his hellos!

I will make it a personal goal to take more pictures in May! Once I do I will post them here for you!

With Love,

Linda

Happy as a Clam!

Honestly I have no idea what that really means however I know it is the phrase I am using to express my time in Australia thus far!

I now have 2 jobs and potential for more on the way -  I have a thing for multiple jobs!

I bought a bike for $50 and have already ridden into the city twice by myself!

I find myself saying "toe-ma-toe" versus "toe-may-toe."

I am taking guitar lessons and learning to play "Blackbird" by the Beatles.

I am going to Wareabee Zoo this weekend with hopes of taking pictures of Kangaroos and other typical Australian animals - along with the normal zoo type animals.

I am planning a 40k bike trek to the Yarra Valley for a weekend of wine tasting!

I went to the top of this huge cathedral in the middle of the city (CBD) and rang the bells!

I absolutely adore being able to see the love of my life on a daily basis :)

There are a million more things I could say but these are just a few off the top of my head.

I have made a lot of moves in the past 5 years of my life. This move has not only been the easiest but the most settling. I have come to not place a huge amount of expectation on situations but allow them to unfold before me. As this all continues to unfold, I find myself in constant thanks. A breathe of fresh air, a sigh of relief. I have made it to the top of the mountain and can see the valley below. This little clam is happy :)

Settling in.

New places are always a bit intense at first. No matter how many new places you go in your life there always seems to a moment of shock before the settle begins. Well I am past the shock and have definitely settled in.

So far I got a phone #, opened a bank account, got a gym membership and even got a job. Things are slowly falling into place. 

Although settling is good in never fully eliminates the odd man out feeling. At least several times a day I am reminded I am far from home. 

So it begins. 

Beyond the shock and oddities being here in Australia so far has been a wonderful change.

I (now) come from a land down under.....

Made it to Australia and not even a full day in and lots already experienced. Signed up for a bank account - which is so minor yet seems so major at the same time. Never had a bank account in a foreign country before.

Going to begin the job hunt beginning this next week. There is a music festival similar to Cochella or Sasquatch going on this weekend not far from Melbourne. Lots of influential Australia bands as well as Mogwai and other solid American and European bands. Pretty great way to start things off!

Lots of exciting new things and already getting harassed for no pronouncing my "r's" correctly. Lots to get accustom too!

Write more soon!

Love you all

So Guess What?

I applied for a Visa to work and live in Australia and I was approved!
Yes, I am moving yet again. I am an adventurer and next month it leads me to Melbourne, Australia. Excitement overwhelms and I have a million ants in my pants.
Anyone want to buy my Cadillac?

Anywho write me here (blog), there (email), anywhere (facebook)!
Come and visit it would be "heeps" of fun. Kangaroos and all :)

i saw history in the making

today was the first day i ever watched a US president inaugurated.
today was the first day an African American became president of the US
today was the first day i ate bratwurst for breakfast
today was the first day Martin Luther's dream became reality
today was the day i saw history in the making.
this shall be celebrated for years to come!


Congratulations Barak Obama you are my hero today and for years to come!

Progress

so this is what I am currently making with my hands:

Note: This is not my finished product. This is what I am currently attempting to create. Or something of its nature.