Sparklyladybug.com.au

Yesterday, my blog disapeared...it's true. The only thing i could see was the sparkly blue star background, nothing else. No pictures, no stories, no links, no title...for a moment i thought just cause i was going to Australia i would cease to exist. However, my blog is back today, and i feel much better about things.
Last night was my last evening in Canada...had a few friends over, relaxed outside in the hottub, chatted in the hallway (just like res) and said some good-byes. My time back in Canada has been great. Seeing friend again has made me realise that people change, but some things never change...the people who always were there for you will continue to be...i'm fortunate to have such great people in my life.
Today i'm finally leaving for Australia...oddly enough, i'm not excited, not sad, not anything really, it's been coming for so long it just seems to be whats happening...although i must say i'm looking forward to meeting new people, seeing some great friends again, going diving in Fiji and being in a new place...yay for that!

where did my blog go?

Everythings seeming almost ready, I got some glasses, more contacts, saying goodbyes :( planned a goodbye party, found a home for my fish, bought a ticket, got a hotel in Fiji (a brief stop along the way) and finished work...seems like all the basis have been covered. Well, except for packing, but it is still too early for that. My new least favourite question is, "So, are you ready?"...although i think i'm on top of it all, that question each time it is asked makes me think that i should be doing something more. But, in 6 more sleeps, it doesn't matter, i'm leaving either way! I'm going to visit some sharks, roos and koalas!

I have a very long list of things I want to do. Really, I think everyone should have a list of things they want to do. Anyhow, this Jan 1, i finally did the polar bear dip! For those of you who dont know what it is, on Jan. 1, in Canada, and i'm sure in some other countries, to start the New Year, some people jump into a Lake or the Ocean. So, I joined some other Ontarians and jumped into Lake Ontario. With me were two friends, Kristell and Dave who also ran into the lake. We didn't stay in the water for long, in fact we were in and out in less than 2 mins! Luckily, we had a very mild Jan.1, so it wasn't too cold, although the water was pretty icy. But, once you were in the water for about 3 seconds, you lost all sense of feeling anyhow. After, we went back to my parents house and warmed up in the hot tub with a little Baileys (thanks Dad for bartending!).

You Are Japanese Food

Strange yet delicious. Contrary to popular belief, you're not always eaten raw.

Ok, so back to blogging...it's been a little while since I have posted anything, December got really busy really quickly as Decembers tend to do...anyhow, going back a little, here are some pics from my trip to Scotland. I had a great time..stayed mostly in Aberdeen, but also wandered out to Glasgow and Edinburgh. The first day I arrived we started by getting my Aunt's place ready for Christmas. My Grandpa got his own tree to decorate so he didn't put "tack" on the main tree.

My Uncle Andy was in charge of the outside decorations, they had the most well lit house on George Street by the time he was done.

Next, I went out to visit my cousin in Stirling. Stirling Castle was pretty cool...quite big, not quite a cinderella castle, but impressive all the same. I went to Edinburgh to do all the touristy stuff, and then the next day I went to Glasgow. Edinburgh was a nice enough city, big with some beautiful buildings, but Glasgow fully charmed
me! The shopping was great, lots of people, lots of stuff...if you are planning on going to Scotland you should forsure go there. Anyhow, here is a little picture of Edinburgh which did look nice all lit up for the holidays.

At the end of my trip to wrap things up i got to meet up with a couple of wonderful friends from Japan! Kinda surreal to meet them in thier home country of Bonnie Scotland, but it sure was great to see them! Had some fun shopping, out for a few pints (and more!)...