The Journey Begins...

PARASAILING!

2007-09-02T22:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went for a cruise around the Island in the gorgeous Jeep!
Went snorkling! Loved it! Cant wait to go scubba diving again one day! Wanted to go here but ill wait to go another time, need to save my pennes! hehe
Then we went up around the coast, so gorgeous! Found some really nice beaches!

Today we went Parasailing! SOOOO much fun! Went tandem side by side! They dipped us in the water so many times! hehe
Didnt really do much else today. I am loosing my voice though :( At the moment its all husky sounding! hurts a bit so might go get some lozengers! Think its just from the salt water, took in a bit from the many many dunkings we got when we were parasailing! hehe was fun though!!!

HAWAII (beach bum!)

2007-08-31T23:20:00.000-07:00

IM IN HAWAII!!!!
Today I got up early and went for a run on the beach! got a huge blister though! OUCH!
Ariana and I spent the morning Relaxing on the beach lapping up the sunshine!
We did however spend the mid arvo in our room, she read her book and I had a lil nap! hehe
Its great just taking it easy and not doing much!
We watched the sunset on the beach and oh man does it just drop out of the sky!!!
So gorgeous though!!
We cooked a nice spag bowl meal sooo yummy! So for anyone wanting to know "yes mum we are looking after ourselves!" hehe
The Jeep we hired is gorgeous!!! Its the unlimited 4 door so its alot bigger than what Ariana is used to but she has me as a parking navigator so we should be ok! hehe
We took the top down ready for our drive around to the north shore tomoz!
Going snorkling tomoz as well sooo looking forward to that!!

2 SLEEPS!

2007-08-29T00:05:00.000-07:00

2 MORE SLEEPS!!!!
I have finally started packing and am realising I am going to have to buy a new (or 2) suitcases!
Going shopping tomorrow to see what I can find.
I fly out at around 4:30pm to Hawaii!!!

So the last few days...
Went to Seattle with Ariana and we had some fun and some disappointing times but of course it was a worth it! Had a really good lunch at a french bakery, went to Tiffanys (left with a brochure, thats all I could afford!! haha) did a bit of shopping but bought nothing! (thats the disappointing part!) Went to see the very first Starbucks! pretty cool!!!
And had some really good fish and chips for dinner!
Ended the trip with a VERY long wait at the boarder!

Yesterday Leigh, Ange and I went to the PNE, (the fair for Canadians and the show for the Australians) Saw some sheep herding dogs and some 'superdogs' and sooo cute horses! And the 'wheels of steel' motocross riders.
Leigh and I went on an AWESOME ride! So high, so fast, so fun!
A sad end to the day... my (flip flop/thong/jandle) broke! My cute silver ones! so sad!
Had to walk home with one barefoot! :(
Then had dinner around at the girls house (staff in YWAM)
Hilary made sushi for dinner YUM! and then I made some fruit salad for desert and Hilary had made some LAMINGTONS! We both ended up arguing as to who created lamingtons, pav and anzac biscuits. Australians or New Zealanders. We just agreed it was both hehe
Then finished the night by watching Strictly Ballroom! Good Aussie movie!

That brings us to today! Fun, Exciting day it was!
Ange and I got our hair cut! both looking gorgeous!
And Ariana, Leigh, Ange and I went to watch the Baseball and Vancouver won!
Lots of fun!

It's not long now!

2007-08-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

Only 6 days till I fly out to Hawaii!
Today is Sophias Birthday Party and then Ariana, Leigh, Ange and I are heading to the waterpark if the weather decides to be nice to us, fingers crossed!
Then tomorrow Ariana and I are heading to Seattle!
And Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will be spent doing the few little odd things I need to do before I leave and then I fly out on Thursday at around 4 o'clock!
Going to be arriving in Hawaii where Ariana will meet me with our Jeep we are hiring! FUN!
And then in Hawaii for 7 days with Ariana, then there will be the very very sad departing when she flys back to Vancouver! :'(
I have one extra day before I fly out on the 7th but then its a 20 hour trip where I loose a day in the air and end up arriving on the 9th!
At the airport Justin is picking me up in my Celica! To which I have been told that Im not aloud to drive.... :'( apparently Im going to be too tired and jet lagged!
But thats ok I will be too ecstatic to care! Im a little worried what it will be like driving again after being here and getting used to cars on the opposite side of the road....
hehe Can't wait to see everyone in Australia! But really not looking forward to saying goodbye to everyone here...... :'(

mmmm YUM!!!

2007-08-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

Guess what was waiting for me when I got home from work?
A package from Dean and Penne!!!
Earings (so cute!) with a ring to match (adorable!) Cutiest lil wallet!
Twisties!!! mmmm havnt had them in awhile! A crunchie bar!!! mmmm
And....my fav chocolate!!!! Cadbury Marble chocolate! Its like heaven in my mouth!
Thank you sooooo much guys! I felt really homesick today and this has put a HUGE smile on my face! Love you two soooo much!!! Cant wait for that huge dean and penne squish hug! hehe

Update!

2007-08-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

Well I have been hastled to update my blog so here it is finally!
As most people know now I am coming home!!!!! (big smile on the girls face right now)
I am so excited! I can not wait to see everyone back home and smell the fresh aussie air!
How I miss Australia!!!!!!!
To overview on everything that I have done in the last 4 and a half months! wow seems like so much longer!
I started this journey leaving everything behind and jet setting around the globe! The hardest thing I have done is leave when my life was going so good!
I cried the whole way to Bangkok! There my Mum met me off the plane!
And there is where we started our mother daughter (or Gilmore Girls tour as Dad called it).
Soooooo much fun!!! we went to Bangkok, London, Vienna, New York, Washington, The ambros farm, and Vancouver!
I had so much fun on that trip with my Mum!!!! Love you Mum!
Then Mum travelled back to Australia and I stayed with my brother and his wife.
In the time from then to now I have been working at a store called Exposure.
The girls I work with are great!
I have also been having a blast hanging out with Arianna! We had anawesome road trip through the Rockies to the Ambros farm for Jasons wedding reception.
Spending time with Leigh and Ange has also been a total BLAST!
Although with my hours at work and their busy work we sometimes can go a couple of days not seeing each other so a lot of the time it feels like I am living by myself in the big city!
I am going to be finishing work on the 21st and then having a week to hang out with my bro and sis! They also are finishing soon! So lots of plans for some fun filled days which I will update you all on later.
Then for the BIG news! I am leaving Vancouver on the 30th of August! Meeting Arianna in Hawaii and spending a week in Hawaii with Arianna! SOOO much fun I cant wait!
We are hiring a Jeep!!! Ok so anyone who truely knows me will know that my dream car is a jeep wrangler! I am so pumped! Its going to be so much fun!
And I will be landing in Australia on the 9th of September where my Justin will meet me off the plane! Miss you baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He is going to be picking me up in my hot lil Celica that I can't wait to drive again!
My time away has been really hard but also really good. I have seen and experienced so many things! The world is a big place! Some things I have seen and experienced have amazed me while others have shocked me!
I have also worked out what I am going to do when I return.... A course to become a personal trainer! And hopefully work towards working with women at home.
I can not wait to get home to my family, friends, animals, and my Justin! And also start all the awesome things I have planned for my life!
I cant wait to see you all again! Love you and miss you all so much!
xoxoxox

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

2007-07-17T02:19:00.000-07:00

Today, July the 17th is Justin and my One year anniversary!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY SWEETIE!
Missing you so much!
I love you!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Bday Photos!

2007-06-25T00:03:00.000-07:00

Ange and Leigh to the rescue! My camera ...well...i lost all my photos...:( but Here are some that Leigh and Ange took from my bday!

So.....

2007-06-23T22:20:00.001-07:00

Ok I know I havn't posted in ages! SORRY!!
Well were to start....hmm
So I got a job and it is going great! I really enjoy working there, the girls I work with are great! And the boss is cool! He keeps trying to convince me to stay in Canada. (Don't worry Justin I am coming home to you don't stress!) hehe.
I went bowling with two girls from work and one of there boyfriends and his roommate. Ok now it wasn't what I expected! It was 5 pin bowling with little balls! hehe It was so much fun though!
What else......oh yeah my Birthday!
Well I spent the day babysitting Rebecca, she is sooo adorable! Then that night Leigh, Ange and I went to Wade and Joannas for Tea (dinner, supper whatever! hehe)
I wasn't expecting what I saw when we walked in...Jo and her daughter Sophia (so cute) decorated their place with pink and white balloons and streamers! And other party things like hats ect were pink also! They had a birthday girl chair at the head of the table for me. It was the princess chair and they had a tiara for me coz like I'm a Princess!!! hehe
Wade made a fabulous Greek meal soooooo good!!!! A chicken pie with a salad and fried potato. Now for anyone who hasn't had or heard of Wades cooking...he is the better than any restaurant he is amazing! And for dessert...MUD CAKE! Canada doesn't have mud cake so Jo googled it and got the recipe off the Australian Cadbury Website...it was soooo good! With heart candy bits for decoration, also pink whipped cream and berry sauce! MMMMMM
Then Leigh, Ange and I went to a bar on Granville Island, which had live music. One guy that performed dedicated a song to me for my bday and changed the lyrics in the song to say 'Happy birthday dear Sarah!' He was an African singer, he was really good!
Ok then to add to the celebrations on that Saturday night Ariana took me to a Latin Dancing Club. One of her friends from work came too. At the beginning of the night they had free dance lessons! It was so much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My camera is playing up so I can't put any photos up but I will get around to putting some on so people can remember what I look like! (justin!) hehe
Missing everyone so much!!!!!!!
It has been tough being away but I have learnt, worked out and experienced so much!
Wish you could all be here with me! Missing everyone so much!
Oh and one thing I have had to get used to is people looking at me with blank faces when I say certain things...like working at a clothing store, jumpers they call sweaters. Chewing gum I call chewy and here its gum. If I'm talking about my guy friends back home I say mates...They don't use that word unless talking about animals.....! Oh and here you NEVER say your going to the toilet, its bathroom or washroom. Thongs, its flip flops here or flips. And so so so many more! It always sounds funny to me when I use their terms for things, I think I just sound silly! I expecially sound funny saying sweater instead of jumper or flip flops instead of thongs! Haha so I don't care people can look at me funny or whatever I like my Aussie terms! hehe
Now you all have to update your blogs! I wanna know whats going on back home!
Love you all so much and missing everyone like crazy!!!!! xoxoxoxox

Busy Busy Busy

2007-06-01T22:47:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh HUGE day!
At 11am i got a phone call for an interview at Exposure (surf clothes store for chicks), he wanted me there at 11:30 so i rolled out of bed and practically ran there.
The interview was going good talked heaps but it seemed like he wasn't going to give me the job because he wanted someone a bit more permanent but then all of a sudden he said 'you know what Sarah i'm going to hire you' i got a job!!!!
He went to get me some forms but then came back and told me that he was short today so could I start today!!! so i worked from 12-9!!! I GOT A JOB!!!!! its an awesome store i love it!!!
It's good to get out of the house and meet new people while working in a cool clothes store.
One problem I think it might end up being bad for me because the clothes are really nice!!!
Oh speaking about clothes, my clothes from Australia came today so going to pick them up from the post office tomorrow. About time!!!

Claustrophobic!

2007-05-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

Vancouver is a Beautiful place, being able to look up at the mountains with the snow slowly melting away. It's so green here and at times I like to just walk on the grass, so lush and green! Summer is coming and I get to have two summers in a row!
Although hearing about the rain at home and how it is starting to green up again...Wish I could be there for that.
I am going to miss winter in Australia, and that's not all I'm missing though....
Vancouver is a lot like Melbourne. But I'm not used to cities! It is really hard to live in a city. So many people! I like the country and having all these buildings and people is kind of claustrophobic!
Being away from everything that is so familiar is so difficult!
The time that I have been away has been good though, (apart from missing everyone so much!) I have had a lot of time to think and work out some things that have been on my mind for awhile. One thing is what I am going to do with my life, for a career. I made a huge list of things I would like to do and one stood right out.
This journey has been amazing, at the beginning of the trip having an awesome time with my Mum traveling around the world, it was our gilmore girls trip as Dad called it! hehe
But being away from home, family, friends, my animals and my Justin! I miss everyone so much!!! So homesick at the moment.......

GREAT NEWS!!!

2007-05-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

Some very very good news to report!

First the bad news... When we left Washington I accidently left my necklaces in the shower at the Hostel...............
I cried the whole plane flight to Saskatoon....The necklaces mean so much to me!
One from Justin that his brother made and the other is Justins NZ fish hook that he gave me before I left...
I was sooooo distraught!!!! I stayed in bed till 1pm the next morning, I didn't think I was ever going to get them back!!! That night I kept dreaming that I was trying to reach out and get them and couldn't grab them... Around 1pm Mum came down to my room with the best news ever!!! They found my necklaces!!! Still hanging on the hook in the bathroom!!!
I was so happy!!!

Unfortunately due to Canadas post service they took for ever to get here!
The good news, they arrived yesterday!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!! So happy!!!!
There is no way I am letting them out of my sight, ever!!!

Happy Mothers Day!!!

2007-05-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MUM!!!

Photos are up! Check them out!

2007-05-12T02:09:00.000-07:00

Well I have finally got around to updated my photos on my blog so you can scroll back to past blogs to see photos of our trip! Sorry it took so long!!!

Oh and Jan, Justin told me you weren't feeling well...I hope you get better soon!!!

Love you all and I am missing you all soooooo much!!!!!!! xo

Vancouver

2007-05-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

Where do I start...

We arrived in Vancouver on 26th and waiting at the airport was Leigh, Ange and Ariana! And of course the first stop was Tim Hortons!!! mmm coffee!
For the first few nights we stayed at Randy and Rittas, friends of Leigh and Ange.

Unfortunately one of my wisdom teeth decided it wanted to try and come through again, PAINFUL!!! It is still hurting a bit so thats been a bit annoying!!!

On the 1st I moved into Leigh and Anges and after a trip to IKEA it's looking pretty cute! Got a few little things, plant, wardrobe light, picture frames, and a really cute lamp! Its all made it a bit more homey.
The bed is amazing, really nice sheets! hehe

Well apart from the tooth everything is going well here.

But back home I received some really sad news...A guy I went to high school with committed suicide...Its awful that someone can be in that much pain...It really scared me, because being half way around the world...I just really wanted to be there today for his funeral. He was a really nice guy.

I miss you all so much!

New York to Washington, Washington to the farm!

2007-04-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

Ok I know its been a bit since I have posted anything so im sorry!

Ok we flew into Washington from New York and spent a couple of nights there. We hired bikes to cruise around Washington which was really good because we where able to see everything in the one day! We went to see the White House, much smaller than what I thought it was. Now twice a year they open the White House gardens to the public and well we where very lucky that this weekend was one of those times! So we got to walk through the White House Gardens and pr actically right up to the door (there were alot of nice looking men in suits with little ear pieces keeping an eye on us though!). The Presidents dogs were out having a little walk too so we got to see them too!
We then went to the Washington Monument, the World War Memorial and up to see Abe Lincoln! We went across the bridge and saw a car crash, (and no mum it wasn't my fault!).
Washington was nice, spacious, clean and well kinda structured in a dull way. I guess you get that coming straight from New York!

We flew into Saskatoon where Jud and Dianne met us and drove us back to the farm.
I can't really explain how good it is to be here on the farm...nope really can't it's just incredible! I love it here!
And being here with Jud, Dianne, Glenna, Dave, and the kids, Evee, Jacob and Elle has been soooo much fun!!!!
I think the only thing that might make it easier leaving tomorrow is knowing I am probably coming back in June with Leigh and Ange!
Here we have gone picking crocus flowers on the hill sides and the kids can sure pick alot of them! They are the first sign of Spring. We have had lots of fun playing with Jakeys lego set and I have painted the girls nails and they look gorgeous!
It has been a very good time here with everyone! Going to be very sad to leave tomorrow!
But then it is of to Vancouver to see Leigh, Ange and Ariana! Can't Wait to see you guys!!!

I feel like im in a Movie!

2007-04-19T07:21:00.000-07:00

hat an incredible city! So much just all packed into one space on top of each other and just all cramed in there! Every where we go it reminds me of movies! On the first day we went up the Empire State Building, 86 floors up! What a view, except it was absolutely FREEZING! We then went down Broadway! Sensory overload! We went to a comedy show at HA! It was so funny!

The second day, I have no idea how we did so much considering how we felt (jet lag!) We went to Central Park and saw about a quarter! Its so big! We had a horse and carriage ride, so much fun! We saw where the pigeon lady from Home alone is, the ghost busters building, the ice ring from so many movies and much more! We then went and had lunch at the Sienfield Dinner! So cool!
That day was so so cold! So went back to our room to warm up! I had a much needed bath!

We then went to Ground Zero. Being there really made it seem more real, like seeing it on tv, you could make it seem like a movie because it was just too unbelievable that that could happen. But being there, how can something like that happen, how can people hate others they don't even know so much to do that....

We then saw the Statue of Liberty and then rushed back to Times Sqaure to see a performance of Beauty and the Beast! My favorite, along side The little Mermaid. It was so good! I loved it!

Today we packed up shop! hehe and heading to New Jersy where we are catching up with Anges Uncle and Auntie!

New York

2007-04-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

In New York now, arrived yesterday. But first, Vienna!

The time in Vienna was awesome! I loved it! So peacful and relaxing! We went and saw the Spanish White Horses! They were absolutely FANTASTIC! We also did a lot of sight seeing and went out to see the Palace, now that was gorgeous! My camera is playing up and I didnt get any photos...sad! So we left Vienna yesterday and arrived in New York! Its cold here, im in a jacket, scarf and beenie! Havn't seen much yet I was asleep all this morning, my cough medicine nocked me out pretty good! So yes unfortunately im still sick! I think its also a combination of homesickness too! Miss everyone so much!

Oh and you should check out mums blog for photos too coz I havn't been able to get any on. www.frommypentoyou.blogspot.com

Happy 9 months Justin! xox

Well we are off to do a bit of sight seeing. Will try and update again soon. Miss you all! xox

B-E-A-utiful!

2007-04-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

VIENNA!!!! So beautiful! Gorgeous city! The buildings are amazing, so much detail with huge statues. There are amazing parks that are so peacful and relaxing! People are nice and I love hearing the language.
Today we went to the flee market, walked around the city and then went to the Danube Tower for a romantic sunset dinner! hehe The view was great, being 165m up we saw right out to the edge at the foot of the mountains. We had a delightful dinner in the revolving restaurant and it soon got dark and we saw the beautiful lights of vienna.
The only bad thing is that I still have this lousy flu! GRRR
Hopefully it will get better soon. But of course Im not letting it stop me! hehe

Leaving London

2007-04-13T00:18:00.000-07:00

The Bed and Breakfast that we stayed in last night was a well earned break from backpackers! Mum rubbed some goanna oil into my back that we got off a monkey in Bangkok! hehe It worked too! My back is feeling alot better today! Now just need something to get rid of this fluey bug! We got it the second day here and its just been getting worse! But nothing is going to stop us from having fun! This morning we had to get up at 6am! We were getting a taxi to the airport but we were not expecting what arrived to take us. A Volvo! Leather seats, luxurious and a driver in a suit! The B&B had access to the local hotels car and drivers! I felt so special!

We are currently at the airport waiting for our flight to Vienna. Our relaxing, drink coffee, eat pastries and recover leg of the trip! hehe

TERRIBLE sleep!

2007-04-13T00:09:00.000-07:00

Well we found a funky backpackers in Oxford to stay the night. We had dinner at a nice resturant that was well priced and well.... Aparently I have beautiful eyes. As a man was leaving he left a napkin on our table 'you have beautiful eyes' with his name and phone number! Mum and I cracked up laughing!!! The reason we couldn't stop laughing... he was closer to mums age than mine!

The Backpackers was good except in a dorm for 18 people kept coming in at all times of the night and they didn't think to be quite! So that kept us up for most of the night! grrrr
In the morning I had a TERRIBLE back pain! It was even hard to walk! A combination of a very bouncy Big Horse and a terrible bed! Luckily we still had the mini so I didn't have to carry my backpack! We had a lil look around Oxford and then drove back towards London.
We had to take the mini back.. :'( Mum wasn't happy! But it is a bit to big to post home!

Horseriding in England

2007-04-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

Today we went Horseriding!!! Beautiful views!!! I was riding a Gypsy Cob called Merlin, he was such a big cuddly teddy bear! Really good ride, had so much fun! Really hilly area with gorgeous scenery. Wasn't like most riding areas in Australia where they do not let you get out of a trot! WE GOT TO GALLOP!!! Up and around beautiful lush paddocks!

We then Drove into Oxford and currently looking for some accomadation.
Mum is really loving this Mini! But the streets here! wow so many little streets winding around and around, its amazing we find our way out of towns!! But of course I am navigating! hehe

Hungerford Castle & Stonehenge

2007-04-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

The second day in England we hired a car and what else would you hire in England but a MINI!!! We hired a Red Mini Cooper, so cute! Mum is having such a great time! Along with everything we have got on the trip she wants to also bring the mini home too. Bit hard though hehe, but it really suits her!

We drove to Bath.
Very beautiful place, seems like we are in a Roman City!
Today we drove out to the Farleigh Hungerford Castle, it was incedible! Although its mainly just ruins the chapel and tombs still remain with a few walls and patial towers. We got an audio guide that was very interesting with history and descriptions. We had lunch there before heading out to the Stonehenge. We got another audio guide there. SO intreging, no one knows why it was erected! Many myths though but not much is really known about it. We then drove back to Farleigh Hungerford and had dinner at the Hungerford Arms (pub). Really good meal, and I got a Pint! hehe big cider!

London

2007-04-09T02:21:00.000-07:00

We arrived in England 4 nights ago. We arrived in London around 7pm and stayed in a youth hostel for the first 2 nights. The first day we spent on the double decker bus tour around London. It took us all over and you could get on and off wherever you wanted. We went everywhere! It was really good to see the sights of London. We went on the Eye of London and It was awesome, so much fun, Mum well didn't have as much fun as me but she did really well being up that high.
We went to a game archade, look I squished all the spiders! Proud of me? And also went on one of those dance ones, so much fun!
Oh and something really wierd....Fanta orange is yellow! I will have to finish this blog in a couple of days, the computer here is very frustrating!!! So more photos to come...

More Shopping & Jet skiing!

2007-04-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

Which finally brings us to today. We went to Pattaya Beach. And we were naughty we went shopping again... I bought Channel Sunglasses for 1,800!!! hehe equivalent to $6.70! There is a clothes shop called S. Oliver!!!! So of course I had to buy something!! Well its actually my birthday present from Mum and Dad...Thanks Dad!!! hehe I also went Jet Skiing! So much fun!!! Then I got a tattoo, now Dad don't freak out its just paint that comes off in 2 weeks! It looks shinny there because I just got it done, it takes a few hours to dry then peel. There where so many bikes everywhere that you could hire. A Honda 1000 for 1,700 so thats $62 for 24 hours. Justin you would have loved it! And Dad there where Harleys there for you.

Elephants, Monkeys and Snakes!

2007-04-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

On our 3rd day we went across the city out the other side to the floating market where once again we bought more things! hehe We went out to the Elephants! We got to ride an elephant!!! The guy even got off and let me take the reigns! hehe so much fun!!! Our elephant was called Powadee! He was 72 years old! Then I got to feed a baby called Bobo he was 5 years old. Then we saw a monkey show and I was tied up at the wrists and the monkey set me free! hehe and the Mum bought some Balm of it the were so cute! hehe they Next was the Cobra show but Mum isn't a fan of snakes so I went and there where so many snakes!!! I got to have a really big one wrapped around me! The show was awesome! those guys are crazy! One danced around with a Cobra and kissed it on the head, another took on a really long snake that could leap really far and really fast! And the third one took on 3 snakes! Guess how he caught them all... one in each hand then lept at the 3rd and caught it in his mouth! Crazy stuff! And I got to have the Cobra around my neck! Suppose to be good luck to touch a cobra. When we got back there had been cleaning pixies in our room! You do not want to know what it looked like before hand!

I've been everywhere man

2007-04-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry I havn't Blogged for a couple of days, Mum and I have been flat out!! On our second day we went into the city and we went everywhere!! We took these cute vehicles called Tuk Tuks. I bought a ring and a lot of other things...I don't think we are going to be able to buy anything anywhere else coz there is not going to be room! hehe We went around and saw many temples and Buddahs!
When it got dark we went to a thing in the park, it was huge! It reminded me of the show or a fair. I got a drawing well started of me but the police came and took everything, apparently they were not allowed there but the guy followed me and gave me what he had done. At the gate they checked our bags, I guess for weapons or bombs. But when we got in there the Army, Air force and navy where there and had shooting ranges set up and handed me a live weapon!! Hehe I got 5 rounds and I hit the target! hehe
When it got late we decided to head back to the Hostel. The trip took a couple of hours and we got back around midnight!

Hard to leave

2007-04-03T04:04:00.000-07:00

The journey has begun and it was a lot harder than I thought it would be... I have been planning this adventure for a couple of years but it has only been in the last year that my life in Australia changed so much! The hardest thing about leaving was having to say goodbye to the ones I love. I'll miss my animals, my adorable babies! My Family that I am so very close to! My friends...My best friend Danni, we are always there for each other! And my Justin... who makes me smile each day! Some may say a year is not long but a day without the ones I love is too long.

The flight to Bangkok was hard, I managed to watch Happy feet through the tears.
I landed at 5 oclock and with not much sleep Mum and I headed back to the Hostel in the oh so humid heat! After Mum informed me about the roof top pool it was only minutes before I was up there. I dragged Mum along and we went for a refreshing dip. The pool reminded me of the one out of the TV show 'the OC'.

And of course what better thing to do but to shop! We took the bus in and shopped till we dropped...right into a chair that just happened to have two lovely ladies who gave us a foot and leg massage for an hour, what are the odds? We then got photo stickers done and met a gorgeous little Thai girl. She seemed a bit shy but when I asked to have a photo she came straight over and gave me a hug and posed for the camera. Isn't she cute!

And of course when in doubt in another country about where to eat you can always count on there being a....Maccas!!! I had chicken nuggets and mum had fried chicken (alot like KFC). And we got these cute little dishes that you squirt sauce into for your fries. So cute!

As we walked to the bus stop for the ride back
I spotted a Hello Kitty bike. This is for Penne!

The journey has finally begun

2007-04-03T03:28:00.000-07:00

Well its finally here... the journey has finally begun! Since I was around 14 I have thought about doing missionary work at some stage in my life. Having missionaries come through your house for most of your childhood and having a brother that is at the moment in Canada as a missionary seems to have a large affect. And over the years my thoughts have changed to plans. My big brother Leigh went over to Canada to do his DTS with YWAM and it started me thinking, that is something I would like to do. Over the last couple of years I have been planning to do my DTS in Canada also.

Before I start my DTS in Canada my Mum and I are going on a trip...well I lie its already begun! At the moment we are in Bangkok and have spent one day here. I arrived at 5 oclock this morning to be greeted by Mum holding a sign 'Sarah Oliver'. It was easy to spot her in amongst the thai crowd. She arrived the night before from a flight out of Tokyo were she spent a few days with my brother Dean or should I say spending a few days with a prince and a chimney sweep. While I stayed at home to attend Justin's sister's wedding. Tania and Craig have been through a lot lately and after being there at that difficult time and seeing a true miracle happen it was amazing to have been there for their wedding.

What a week!!!

2007-03-09T02:30:00.000-08:00

What seemed to be a relaxing horse ride with mum on Saturday morning turned out to be a dramatic car trip to the hospital!

The horses were saddled and we were about to head off. Chiki seemed a bit edgy so we decided to ride around the paddock before we left. She was doing fine and then for no reason she took off! I pulled her up and she seemed fine, strange. Went for a couple more laps of the paddock and headed down the road. Three houses down the road and Chiki was putting her head down tryng to get something or scratch something on her. So I pulled her up and lent forward to check and fix her head piece. (now this is when it gets exciting....) With me now not properly in the saddle she spooked right and I quickly went to change my weight balance and sit back in the saddle just as she spooked left and there I went out horizontal to the saddle trying to pull myself back on with Chiki still jumping left. I couldn't hold on any longer, so I picked a good point to let go so I wouldn't fall underneath her and unfortunatly didn't plan on the landing.. and landed on the oh so hard, hadn't seen rain in a long time rock hard dirt ground... With my head up and feet up my back side took all the force. As I lay on the ground with Chiki trotting into the neighbours yard I looked up at Mum and said..." I think I've broken something, I'm fine get Chiki!" And I layed there with no feeling in my legs for a little bit - I started to get just a lil worried... pulled out my phone to call Dad, hardly any reception so he couldn't quite hear me so I shouted " Come Now!!!" just as it cut out. I started to feel my legs again and I stood up. Dad came running out and Mum caught Chiki. I managed to walk, although my back side was very sore! Went home and Mum rode Chiki around the paddock and found out that she spooked because the stirrup knocked her leg. So I was inside trying to convince myself that I was fine but the pain kept getting worse...

Got in the car with alot of effort and Mum drove me to the hospital, I felt every bump in the rode!!! Painful, painful ride!!! Hobbled into the hospital and with tears in my eyes I informed the nurse I had come off my horse. (with that much information they expect the worse so I didn't have to wait, much to the disgust of the many in the waiting room). In the hospital for a couple of hours, checks and X-rays and left with a diagnoses of a possible fracture in the tail bone and a prescription for some very good drugs! (panadine forte) Lying down all druged up for 3 days I recieved many visits! And on the 4th day I went to work...bad idea! Couldn't lift anything, in a bit pain and still all drugged up, as Gill noticed, "are you on something Sarah?"

Im now off the drugs and moving around ok. Still hurts occasionally if I lift or twist the wrong way but I'm getting there.

Now look away if you don't want to see my insides!!! hehe!!!

My X-rays!

And the bruise on my leg from the saddle. Isn't it a beauty!!

Danni's 19th

2007-03-07T14:28:00.000-08:00

It was my best friend Dannielle's 19th birthday on the 1st of March and to celebrate we went to the Noble Dragon. Now I have only ever got take away from this chinese resturaunt so this was the first time I have been to sit down, like they say there is always a first and last time for everything! Don't get me wrong the food is really good! but the service... why do the call them waitresses...It was some time before our orders were taken, then we found out that they do not like it when you order entrees for mains, you are not allowed to spend under $10 per head (I may have had a small conversation with the waitress at this point) by the way our order was going to easily make $10 each which I "politely" informed the waitress of... and the amount of time it took her to take our orders! I can't believe how confusing she made it!

Anyway the food finally came out and everyone enjoyed themselves, although we did walk down to Maccas for Mcflurrys. Wasn't going through all that again for dessert!

Here are a few photos, Danni is the one next to me in the spotted dress.

5 weeks to go!!!

2007-02-25T19:47:00.000-08:00

It's getting closer!!! Only 5 weeks today until I fly out!!! As the date gets closer i get more and more excited as you would but also I get more and more worried and fearful. Scared of what the next 12 months is going to be like away from home, away from family and friends.

With time quickly running out it all gets a bit much for me. So to get away from it all, on friday Justin whisked me away to the beach!!!

We drove down to Queenscliff and had Fish and Chips by the beach (best fish and chips ever!!!) We saw a few boats and ships on the water there.

Then continued on to Justins family beach house and went swimming in the ocean. Justins mum and gran met us there and we all went to dinner (great meal and amazing and i mean incredible mud cake I have ever ever ever had! sorry leigh!)

On Sunday at church the sermon was on fear, its funny how when you really need it the sermon always seems to be directed straight at you.

TeJano

2007-02-18T23:49:00.000-08:00

Well you have all met Chicki now meet our new foal TeJano (TJ for short, for proper pronounciation of his full name you will have to call me or something coz I don't know how to explain it via typing.)

He is so adorable!!! A Palamino with one white sock on his back leg. He has a few scars on his adorable face from running into fences and gates when he was younger but its ok they will all heal right up!!!

At 5 months old he is already looking to reach around 15hands. And when I return from my one year trip of excitement and challenges he will be old enough to begin breaking in, ever since around the age of 12 it has been my ambition to break in a horse. Now I finally get the chance and with Mum and Dads expert advise on hand I should be ok.

Chiquita

2007-02-04T01:09:00.000-08:00

Everyone meet Chiquita (Chicki Babe). 2 year old Palamino Paint. Been trained in Western riding and she is amazing! Best temperament, magnificent to ride and gorgeous!

She and Buckshot get along well, the only one not too happy is Bluey (my sheep). He doesn't think it was a good idea to get a horse that has cutting horse blood. Chicki has fun rounding him up! Bluey quicky escapes under the fence to the trees though.

On the way is a 5 month old palamino colt. Still needs to be head stall trained to be able to float him home. I have wanted for so long to break in a horse and when I return from Canada next year I will finally be able to. So photo still to come.

Australia Day

2007-02-03T19:40:00.000-08:00

B-E-A-UTIFUL day for skiing!!! My cousins Daniel and Jamie came down from NSW.

Daniel had a go at the tube as did Jamie and I (no photo sorry) but we had a BLAST! except for when we bumped heads and almost past out!

Dad loved getting back on the single ski and Mark wipped it up on the single and the Wake Board.

Marks mate Andy came out and mark had lots of fun getting him off the tube! He did well to stay on for some of the time, getting lots of air.

Sorry no photos of me! But I had a blast on the tube, double ski and single ski! So good, loved it!

Too much?

2007-01-08T16:09:00.000-08:00

My Key Chain...
Consists of my car key, house key, mail key and then there is my poket knife (one of my Christmas prezzies from work), tag from my best friend Danni (the big square one with the dog), my pink sharpie, Tag from Penne (the Tassie one), Tag from Canada (the Calgary one obviously) and the Chain with hearts from Penne....too much?

Water skiing trip

2007-01-01T15:28:00.000-08:00

Well finally we have gone for the first water ski in awhile. Mum, Justin and I headed up to swan hill for a couple of days. On the way to Swan Hill we always go past MY HOUSE! I named it mine years and years ago. Justin got a drive of my car, he drove half and I drove the other with a traditional stop in Serpentine for a toasted egg, cheese and BBQ sauce sandwhich.

It wasn't hard to find where we were on the lake shore... Notice? Dad's big yellow truck! Which he parked up in the morning to save a good spot on the bank.
Mark got first ski on the wake board. I had a lil ski but was very dissapointed because of how rough the water was, it made it very difficult to ski. So we put Justin in the tube and Mark had a great time trying to get him out, but Justin stayed on!

The Christmas Tree

2006-12-28T00:12:00.000-08:00

Well I know its late but here... well was the Christmas Tree. Although it just wasn't the same decorating it this year without Ange...

Can't believe once again it has come and gone. Hope you all had a wonderful time!

And of course you can not forget the Nativity Scene.

Bush Fires covering Victoria in Smoke

2006-12-12T18:55:00.000-08:00

Well some have heard about the bush fires in Victoria. Recently I heard that 1/5 of Victoria is burnt, burning or going to burn. On most days much of Victoria is experiencing smoke, yesterday was smoke free.
These photos were taken today.

The Journey Begins...

2006-12-10T17:45:00.000-08:00

Well I'm finally here bloggers!
I know about time ...

I have finally finished year 12! I got my enter score and results this morning, did well with a score above average. Now I am starting new and fresh with my life outside of school, what I have known for most of my life...scary!

Here my journey begins and I thought what a perfect time to start my blog so that everyone else can follow where my journey leads from here on...

The next couple of months are going to be very busy...

Planning for next year, going on a world trip with my beautiful Mother for 6 weeks. Then stopping in Canada to work for a few months and live with my eldest brother Leigh and his gorgeous wife Angela! And what a way to end the year by doing a 6 month DTS with YWAM Vancouver! So next year will be filled with travel and adventures!

But for now I will be frantically trying to fit everything in before I begin my world travels next year...