You've got to reach out, can't be too careful anymore.

"And I'll face the one who made my disgusting heart from a lump of clay. Should he ask what got me through, If he asks me, it was you." -Cemetery by Say Anything

How could I have forgotten the new Say Anything album came out Nov. 3??? I feel so isolated from my world! Everyone should go listen to Say Anything's new self-titled album... I love them. But, I just would like to point out how much I hate self-titled albums. Seems a bit narcissistic.

All that aside, everything is well here. I'm working on a Sunday, which sucks a bit, especially because I had to pay $20 to take a cab to work because the buses don't start running on this line til 8am and I had to be here at 7:30 am. That's one hour of work to pay for my cab ride! Oh well, it's a slow day, so I'm just Internet-ing it up. It's just me and another fellow backpacker here, and he's watching True Blood. We're so cool.

I also had a breakfast of champions: instant coffee and grilled cheese, on brown bread. No, not wheat bread... brown bread! That's what they say here "White or Brown?" Makes sense, I guess.

Another thing I'm getting used to about living in a beach town is that people go everywhere barefoot and in their swimsuits! I'm talking people are grocery shopping in beach gear... no shoes and sopping wet. Is it like this in all beach towns, or just here?? It doesn't bother me, or anything, it's just weird. Not sure I'm at that comfort level... I like to be clothed when outside the beach.

Speaking of the beach, I finally went into the ocean on Friday. Almost lost my bottom of my swimsuit, but I survived and had a blast. I wear sunscreen all the time and I've still gained a tan... way more tan than I've ever been in my life. I like it, but I will probably return with the souveniour no one wants: skin cancer. Eek! *goes and slaters on the cream*

Yea, they call it suncream, not sunscreen.

On Friday we went to an Australian campus bar and partied with 20 year old Aussies. It was a great time because I finally got to see Australians! I hang with so many foreigners, sometimes I forget I'm actually in Australia.

And, on a side note, being here has gotten me thinking. Before I came, so many people were so confused as to why I wanted to go to Australia. People even had the nerve to tell me I wouldn't make it here and not to get my hopes up. Even a few who told me I was naive and shouldn't be so optimistic... Well, to all those disbelievers out there, I did make it. I an apartment with three awesome roommates. I have a wonderful job and make good money (better than being an Assistant Manager for Atlanta Bread Company). I am living on my own without parental help. I am the happiest I have ever been. I've met the coolest people that I get a long with so well. I know what I did isn't for everyone, but it still makes me sad when I see so many people who don't chase after anything because they are too scared of what bad might happen. Sure, I've fallen many times, but I pick myself back up. Life isn't about succeeding all the time, but it is about adventure and seeing how far you can go. For the people that live their whole life scared of what you can't see, I have a few words of advice. Go out and have an adventure today. Whether it be small or big, do something new. Go somewhere unfamiliar. You'll be amazed by what you see (both around you and inside of you).

Alright, I'm done preaching. That's not what this blog is about, but I had just been thnking about how many people didn't believe in me at all. I believed in myself, I knew in my heart I wanted to be here and that I would make it. I really have never been happier!

Well, I should get back to work. Sadly, work doesn't do itself.

Picture to right >>>>>>>>>>>> is of Coogee Beach at sunrise. This is where I live now :)

Michaela

"When I was ten years young, my douche best friend
Decided that I was just not cool enough for him
My awkward frame and buck-tooth grin
Were no accouterments for one with a new skin
Well, late last week I saw that man
He was far too high to grasp that I shook his hand
I’ve got my pride and my rock band
Singing words that he don’t understand"
-Young, Dumb, and Stung by Say Anything

Go listen: NOW!