Sat. August 30, 2008

I (Ray) decided to take a turn writing on this blog thingy. My job has been going well, however it has been very busy the last few weeks. I have been tasked with a lot of responsibility, much greater than my job back in Ada. I have been given a project leadership position regarding a major project going on within the company. This means I work very closely with the Amway of Australia executives and managers. I will be in charge of assigning tasks and responsibilities to the analysts and tracking their progress. Overall, I feel like I have leaped up the "food-chain". The project has to do with implementing a new data source and reporting tool to Australia. This is the first market we are introducing this to. Over the next 2-3 years, we will be rolling out this data source and reporting tool out to all of Amway's markets around the world. This will allow each market's analysis and reporting to come from one data source, where now each country has its own. The large picture is to have a global reporting source and tool, so we are comparing apples to apples globally. My work will be very important to the large picture as I will be developing many global standards which will be followed for each market to come. I find this work very exciting and stimulating, even though the task is very large with a lot of high level interest within the company.

Anyway, enough of me writing about my work as most people would rather hear about the outside-of-work adventures we are going on. Today was very fun as we traveled with a group into the Blue Mountains. Our group was very culturally diverse with a Danish woman, Indian man, German man, Taiwanese woman, Korean man, two German/Taiwanese girls, and two Americans (us). Our trip started around 9 am with everyone meeting at the Amway offices. We took a very scenic, winding, hilly road that provided some amazing views of the Blue Mountain. Along this drive, we had our first Kangaroo sighting....a dead one next to the road with only the carcus, legs, and tail left. :) We also had our first Wombat sighting...which was also dead next to the road. We do hope to see some living wildlife during our stay here sometime as we didn't see any on this trip! Anways, the road we took down into Jenolan, our first stop, was very narrow. Two cars could barely fit on the road next to each other, with one side being a cliff and the other a giant stone wall. I was very glad we only passed a couple cars during this part of the trip. Once in Jenolan, we grabbed a quick packed lunch, while many exotic birds would beg for our food. This was interesting because you don't see any bird types like this in the wild around Michigan. Jenolan is a very small place nestled in a valley within the Blue Mountain. It is known for its amazing caves, which are all above ground. You could purchase many different tours around the caves. Our group split into 3 sub-groups as different tours interested different people. Janell and I went on the most intense and longest tour. Since the caves are above ground, there was a ton (and I mean a TON!) of stairs to climb up and down during the 2 hour tour. The caves were amazing with many unique crystal formations. The caves were very interesting to visit, but this is not a place we will probably return to (you've seen one cave, you've seen them all). I would only go back to experience the scenic drive.

Next, we proceeded to Kautoomba. This is a very popular tourist destination as it is the location of the "3 sisters", a series of 3 large rock formations next to each other. The platform that overlooked the 3 sisters also provided a view of mountains and rock cliffs as far as the eye could see....VERY COOL! We decided to take a path that led us right next to the 3 sisters rocks. A couple brave members of our crew climbed down a very steep latter which led to a bridge into the first of the three rock formations. Under the bridge there is about a 1000 ft drop, so this guy was not about to do it! Let's just say, heights are not my best friend....but Janell didn't even do it, so I didn't feel too bad.

We drove back to Castle Hill and arrived about 7:30. Our group decided that going to a Greek/Seafood restaurant would be a good conclusion to the trip. The food was good, but the service was extremely slooooow. Plus, they brought us 2 appetizers that we didn't order and made us pay for them...the Korean gentleman absorbed the cost as we all thought someone else at the table had ordered them and figured we would sort it out later! Oh well?! For me, I think the best part of the meal was a very good Australian Handpicked Shiraz that went well with my skewered shrimp.

We slept very good after the long day of hiking and stair climbing! Hope you enjoyed. :)

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Well, this was the third day in a row that I was rudely awoken by a chorus of birds (Magpies). These birds sit right outside our bedroom window and yell at each other, and then at times it seems they make up, and sing to each other, but then it's only a matter of time before the next set of birds get in a fight, and start squaking at each other again. The birds seem to settle down, once I am up and out of bed, wishing I had rocks to throw at them.

Yesterday, I met a woman who was interested in me for babysitting for her 9 month old twins. It was interesting because she asked me if I had gotten invovled with any of the church groups in town. I told her that I had attend Hillsong church on Sunday, and really enjoyed the service. I was thinking she was asking me this because it was important for her that I was a Christian, but she surprised me by saying that she was an atheist, and cannot began to understand the faith that this country has. So, I told Ray that if I do not get this job it is because I am a Christian. She also did not have good thoughts about Amway either, so I think I struck out with her. But good thing I have another mother interested in me as well. She is a little drive away, but at this point it would be something. Ray and I are going to drive there on Sunday for me to meet her, and then we are going to spend the afternoon in Sydney since we are close-by.

On Saturday we have plans to go to the Blue Mountains with some people from Amway. We can see the Blue Mountains from our kitchen window, so it will be cool to see them up close and personal. We both enjoyed a beautiful sunset the other evening. This picture really does not do it justice, but you have an idea.

So, I am getting more comfortable driving on the roads now. My knuckles are still white, and sore when I'm through, but I do okay. Yesterday, I ventured out to new lands, and got lost. That woman I was visiting only lived about 20 minutes from our place, but google maps forgot to tell me to turn at one street, so I literally road up and down this street about 50 times it felt like. Roads do not seem to be well marked around here, and sometimes it is difficult to figure out where you are going. But, I am more comfortable turning our large station wagon around, and going through many turn-abouts. I also got gas for the first time yesterday too. Two men that worked at the gas station had a field day with me, and could tell I was a foreigner. I got quite confused at one point, when the pump would not take my credit card. "I don't need a pin." Apparently, outside you do. So I had to move my car to another pump, and pay inside with the same card I was trying to pay with outside....dumb I tell ya. Well, here is my parking job after my first time out alone. The picture is a little dark sorry...but if you look closely you can see large brick posts on both sides of the car. They do not leave you much room, and good luck to us getting our car in our garage.

I will write again soon, and tell you how this weekend went. Love and miss you all!

The past week...

Our first week in Castle Hill, has come and gone. We had another really nice dinner out on Thursday night at the Euro Lounge with some others from Amway. That was fun. Everyone is so kind and helpful here. We are enjoying our new apartment, but the woman we are renting from told us we cannot have our heat on between the hours of 10pm-7am. She said that the lady across the way cannot sleep with the motor from our AC running. It has been quite chilly here, and has not been this cold since 1996. I was not thinking much when the lady said that to me, but when Ray came home and said "that's ridiculous, it's cold outside, and we are paying rent here as well," I then thought, "yes, yes it is." So, we keep our heat on till we go to bed...we compromise. :)

Today, we attended Hillsong church (http://www.hillsong.com/). This church is amazingly huge, but the music was incredible, and the message was not bad either. I was suprised to hear more of a message of evangelism, rather than a sermon directed to new believers. The church is filled with young couples and families. The church will be what a person makes of it. They have a lot of small groups available for others to get involved in. I was surprised to hear that Ray enjoyed the church as well, obviously not all the people, but the service he did not mind. I am sure we will attend there again, but maybe keep looking around the area for a smaller church as well.

Ray pulled over while we were driving today, and I was able to drive home. It was very different, but there was no traffic on the side streets so Ray made it home alive and with a dry pants. :)

I have emailed several families about possibly babysitting for them, but I have not heard back yet from them. Some would like permanant workers, and others may have found some one else. I really do not want to work at the mall, or even do social work. I would like to find something that is flexible, and not as emotionally consuming...like babysitting. So please keep me in your prayers that I will be able to find something! I'm getting bored at the apartment and I need to go grochery shopping! (AKA I need to make some money in order to do that! )

Our Apartment

Well, our biggest change this week was our new apartment. We were staying at the quest apartments, which are pictured here: The first picture is of our living room. We only had about 7 channels, and they all televised sports. I was getting a bit sick of it, but they had plenty of coverage of the Olympics.This was our kitchen. It was small, but had dishes and silverware there for us, and did what we needed it to do. We even had a water boiler, which is so nice. They are very big out here.
This was a dumb bathroom. The glass only covered half the shower, so most of the water ended up on the floor.
I guess we don't have a picture of the bedroom. But we had two twin mattresses stuck together, so Ray enjoyed the big bed.

We are now at our new place. We have access to an indoor pool and hot tub, and our apartment overlooks the outdoor swimming pool. We have a large patio, with table and chairs, and lots of windows keeping the room bright during the day.

Our kitchen is much bigger, and there is a lot of living space. We have two full bathrooms, and the master bedroom is very spacious. We have a 2nd bedroom too, but they lock it, since it is not in use. If we kept it open it is $60 a week. I swear they charge you for everything around here.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures and got a good taste of our new home for six months! :)

City of Sydney

Well, Saturday Ray and I decided to venture out and discover the city of Sydney. We were brave and took the bus to Paramatta and then from there jumped on a train to downtown. I really enjoyed the city, I'm glad I have time to check out the shops and other restaurants on another day. We saw the Opera house, and the bridge. The harbor is beautiful there. We then walked all over creation stopping at the more famous pubs (Lord Nelson's-where I ate Lamb for lunch and then to the oldest pub in Sydney where I met an older man who loved Shirley Temple) before moving on.

We ran across a market place with native jewelry and art of Australia. That was really neat, and I can't wait to go back there and take a closer look when I don't have two males pushing me along (Ray's colleague from work was with us). At night we went out with two other couples from Amway. We went to a restaurant called "Nick's"- a seafood restaurant where I ate a big juicy steak. Ray had kangaroo and shrimp. I was eager to try the kangaroo. It was very rare which was not very appetizing to me, but the flavor tasted somewhat of beef. The dinner was very nice, but I was drifting quickly of fatigue and could not wait for my bed. Though I did have time for some Bailey's Creme Brulee! Delicious! One of the couple's brought us home that night, so that we could avoid the train and the bus. They were great in sharing areas that we needed to visit. We are excited to try them all, but a bit afraid of the price! The cost of living is very high here.
Ray and I went food shopping at Cole's on Sunday, just for three dinners and some lunch meat for Ray. The bill totalled $68, and that was trying to buy things on-sale as well!
The time now is 10:30pm on Monday night. Ray and I are acclimating to the time-change, finally. Today was the best day for me. The mornings are still hard sometimes. I find myself awake at all hours in the early morning, but it is getting better. Today I visited the Castle Hill Towers-the largest shopping mall in Australia. It was indeed large, but no different than any other shopping mall. I enjoyed a cup of coffee, tried some new make-up that some lady wanted to put on my face, and tried to use a pay-phone since I no longer have my cell phone! Crazy how much I depend on a cell phone!
Well, this week may be pretty boring for me. Ray will be at work, while I look for employment. Wish me luck!

August 15-Amway Australia

Once we settled into our apartment-brushed our teeth and took a shower!!!, we headed over to Amway, which is right down the road from us. We had a tour of the building, met a bunch of people, and enjoyed coffee in the sunshine. The weather is beautiful here, but we laugh when we see others in Uggs and winter coats when Ray and I are in short-sleeves. We took care of some basics. Ray tried driving the car a short distance. This will take some time to get used to. We had lunch, and set-up a bank account. We then headed back to our apartment to take a nap before we explored the resturants near-by.

August 14...still on the plane

It is now around 2 am for me, but my stomach is growling and so I wanted to wait for some dinner before I fall asleep.
Our meal was basically a microwavable meal with beef and mashed potatoes, a roll that came in a package, and lettuce with 1000 island dressing. Meanwhile, Ray was upstairs enjoying a 3-course meal. He was excited to tell me about it.
I finally fell asleep around 3am, but Ray had just finished eating around 4am, and came down to my level to wake me up and say "hi."
I have been very grateful that no one is sitting next to me, and I have extra room next to me for my belongings. I have been able to get a decent amount of sleep, despite stiffness in my back and neck.
Apparently, I coudl have been in business class for $149 last minute, but Ray was told this too late, and we had to purchase this when we were still on the ground...maybe on the way home. Ray's at least thinking of me.
Around 11am (MI time) the stewardist came around with ham and cheese on a bun. This was only our snack...we still have to eat breakfast! We still at thist point have about 5 more hours to go.
I have slept for about 7.5 hours of broken sleep, I am still tired, but it may be due to the dark and quiet plane and boredom. The disney channel just ain't cutting it.
It is now 1:05pm on Thursday in MI. In Sydney it is 3:05am on Friday. 3 more hours to go. For breakfast I had one slice of french toast, and about five grapes. Ray enjoyed an omlette. But I don't like eggs, so the french toast will do this time.
We landed in Sydney at 6:30am, went through customs fine, and took a taxi to our apartment.

August 13 cont.

We arrived at G.R international airport around 2:15pm, our flight to Chicago showed it was on-time. This was the quickest of the flights, lasting 32 minutes in the air. It was confirmed to me again that lake Michigan is one of the most, if not the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen. The sun glistened on the water, illuminating an aqua color known mainly to be seen only in the carribean. It was absolutely beautiful. Our next flight to L.A wasn't leaving for another 2 and 1/2 hours. We hung out in the terminal. Ray is lucky to have a travel companion, Chris, to accompany him in his painful experience in first class/business class seats on the aircraft. Since the men had the luxury of dinner on their next two flights, I enjoyed some orange chx and white rice. Our next flight to L.A was almost four hours long. I fought to stay awake as time approached midnight for me. I enjoyed some pretzels and a coke on this flight, while Ray was enjoying a chx. dinner and some wine. We arrived in L.A at 8:45pm local time. We did not have long to board our next flight to Sydney. We began boarding at 10:05pm and left around 11pm.

Plane Ride-August 13

We did not have much to do today to get ready for our long flight. We even tried to sleep in, but our body clocks told us to get up. We finished last minute packing and headed out for lunch. We were able to find gas for $3.84 and I was happy. We then headed to Russ' for a last taste of Dutch-Christian Reformed people for six months. I enjoyed a cup of broccoli cheese soup and a chicken ceasar wrap. Ray had a patty melt. Lauren picked us up at 1:30pm and we closed the doors to our house-hoping for the best.

We brought Molly to her new home on Tuesday night. She seemed anxious and unsure of what was going on. When the door closed behind Ray and I, I looked back and she had her head cocked to one side and looked at me funny. She will be greatly missed by both of us.

Leaving soon

Wow, it's hard to believe that Ray and I will be on a plane in 9 days! I'm beginning to feel the stress of leaving work, trying to get the house clean, and packing up all my stuff. I realize if I were to forget something I can buy it, but who knows how much that will cost. Besides, I'm Dutch and if I already own it it kills me to have to buy it over again!

On Saturday Ray and I spent the day at P.J Hoffmaster state park with my family. I did not realize how hard it was going to be to say goodbye. "It's only for six months, I'm coming back." But we are going to miss all the holidays, and I'll miss at least seven birthdays and three weddings! I'm so sad about missing my friends' weddings. I so badly wish we could spend that day with them. My poor dog isn't going to know what hit her...she will have fun though. She's staying with my supervisor who has children in middle school. They are sooo excited to meet her and have her stay at their house.

Well, all of our warmer clothes are shipped, along with Ray's fishing poles. Heaven forbid we leave the fishing poles behind! Here are the apartments we will be staying at: http://www.westcorpapartments.com.au/ the ones located in Parramatta, Australia. Check them out, they are fully serviced! :)

It's time I must go to bed, seeing that a long week ahead is no time for crabbiness and being tired.