There's No Place Like Oz

Return from Australia: One year later

I really don’t know where to start, aside from stating the obvious from the title of this post. As of April 26, I’ve been back home in the USA after spending a year living, traveling, working, and eating(!) in Australia. One year ago, I was scared of coming home. I was afraid to leave friends [...]

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My Travel Inspirations

In just two weeks time, I mark my one-year anniversary of returning from Australia. ONE YEAR. I’ve been home as long as I lived in Oz. I can’t believe it. My parents came to visit me for 10 days! Although Oz depleted my travel savings, I’m thankful that I’ve been able to travel overseas twice [...]

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I’m getting married…really!

By the end of the year, I’ll be married! Surprised? I’m still (pleasantly) surprised myself. Gav: Me too beautiful :-* (Oh yeah, Gav’s going to be commenting throughout this post too! After I wrote it, he logged in and added his thoughts.) I’ve never dreamed about a wedding or being someone’s wife. When girl friends [...]

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Australia Day 2012

Today has been one of those rare — dare I say it — perfect days. AND, it’s Australia Day, so c’mon people, HOW MUCH BETTER DOES IT GET? Okay, obviously it could be better — I could be celebrating IN Australia WITH my boyfriend. But things have been pretty challenging for me and my family [...]

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2012 and the Daydream Believer

The last few years have been so important to me. In the beginning of 2009 I decided to make long-term travel a reality but kept the secret to myself for a while. In 2010, this St. Patrick’s day baby celebrated the big 3-0 in Dublin with great friends. And if that wasn’t fun enough, I [...]

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Merry Christmas from Home

One year ago today I was working my last (ever) shift at an organic grocery store in Australia. Sydneysiders filled the store, buying last minute items for the holidays. Christmas music from the night manager’s iPod filled the store. All signs pointed to Christmas, but I couldn’t get over the fact that I was wearing [...]

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Traveling through the Alphabet

There’s a new meme making its rounds through the travel blogging community, and my Aussie pal Nicole just tagged me. Check out Nicole’s post about her ABCs of travel, and join me on an A to Z (that’s “zee” not “zed”) journey through my travels. A: Age you made your first international trip Many of [...]

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Giving Thanks on Travel Days

Last week, just before Thanksgiving, I shared some of the reasons I am thankful for 2011 — it’s been a wonderful, challenging, life-changing year. Over the holiday, a friend from London crossed the pond for a visit, and my family introduced Shel to her first Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and American football and basketball games. As [...]

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Heather the International Career (breaking) Panelist

Of course it’s a good idea to do your homework, but don’t let the logistics keep you from committing to what you really want to do. Be ready to act before you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. -Colleen Kinder, Delaying the Real World- Several years ago I picked up a copy of [...]

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Giving Thanks for 2011

One year ago I was celebrating my sixth month in Australia and everything I was thankful for during my time in Oz. With Thanksgiving only a few days away, I wanted to write about the things I am grateful for in 2011. I kicked off 2011 by welcoming the new year in Sydney at Harbour [...]

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