Uber-cute photo of Stafford at the highest point in Newcastle. I would have taken of picture of myself, but I hadn't had enough sleep in way too long and was on the brink of peeing myself.  

More of Newcastle. 

The view of Newcastle from Stafford's deck. 

This is Stafford's peacock. No joke. His family has a wide array of pet birds. 

more boats. 

This was at some marina / boat club on the outskirts of Newcastle. Stafford reckons it's called Swansea. Please note how Australian I am by using the word "reckon" 

This is Karen in Santorini. I have never been to Santorini. But, Karen is fabulous and threatened to damage all of my things that she "borrowed" a couple years ago if I didn't put her pic on the blog. 

death cab death cab death cab!

Jess and I went to the Death Cab for Cutie concert last night. It ruled. And even though all the band members *could* be described as less-than-attractive, I loved them all by the end of the night. Words Cannot Express the pure awesomeness... so, that will be all.

Stafford and me. Soon after this I realized that despite the fact that it was, like, 11:30... I was pretty putrid and had to go home (where I proceeded to immediately pass out). All class, all the time.  

les roommates... also known as "housemates" or "flatmates" in Oz. Anna, me and Eleanor... 

Me, Peta and Anna... 

Scott and Peta... Peta and I met in Pulau Pinang, in Malaysia. She's now dating pro-golfer Scott Fisher. We love him. 

Jon and I at work. As you can tell, we work very hard... and look darned good doing it.  

3/4 of the best group ever. Anna (middle), Cathy (right) and I did the best presentation / project together. Since then we have become dinner / drinking buddies. 

I walk by Hyde Park almost everyday... but, had never actually been *through* Hyde Park. Since I bought the new cam I have had a wave of motivation to actually get out and do things. This probably also has something to do with being on vacation and having a cute boy in tow... 

The tattoo... Stafford decided he wanted a tattoo. So, being as supportive as I am, I went along to document the process and provide hand holdage. All in all, the tat was a success and Stafford was all cute afterwards. 

So, I haven't had a camera to provide proof... but, I actually do have friends in Sydney. Me with Coko, Daniel and Jess... 

After arriving back in Sydney, a certain taller friend and I made our way to Circular Quay. Apparently there is this building in Sydney where overweight people sing. After only five months in Sydney, I finally climbed the steps to the Opera House.  

Apparently there is also a really big bridge... 

All the way to W.A.

No, I didn't go all the way in W.A., but I did board a 747 and made the trek over to Perth to visit my budding sexologist friend, Deanna. Deanna's finishing up her masters in WA before heading back to Edmonton (for the love!), despite my many pleas to move to Sydney. My trip was planned around Deanna et al's big Canada Day celebration. The week was a resounding success. Deanna and I frolicked nude, spooned, ate a lot, brushed up on our Hangul, plotted our future husbands / wedding plans / children's names, and then made a friend with aggression issues. Good times. Missing in action was Sarah who was skiing with lesbians and just being slightly less cool in general. We still love her, though.
In other exciting news:
a) I bought a new camera. This will hopefully motivate me to actually get out and do things that require photos. And, bring my poor, dilapidated blog back to life.
b) My bro got engaged... meaning I will be making another triumphant Canadian return at some point. I'll presumably be wearing a tux, which is also exciting. Applications for dates should begin now.
c) My mom booked her ticket and is coming for Xmas down under.
d) It turns out, in addition to being cute, I'm also really smart (as validated by one certain professor who may have used the word "brilliant").

Deanna and I about to head out for a night on the town. Perth featured agro-biatch and her cute, Canadian-loving, "I-swear-I'm almost 21" year old friend. Oh, and annoying, slow talking, pathetic WA boy who has lived in Perth his "whole stinkinggggg liiiiifffee". Fun was had.  

Deanna and I out and about around town. Deanna has conquered driving on the wrong side of the road. A truly awe-inspiring performance.  

Tub-o-beer! Apparently, actually getting kegs in Australia is quite a difficult task, which left all the Canadians feeling skeptical and disillusioned about living down under. Thankfully, Canadians are incredibly resourceful people who, when faced with a shortage of beer, embrace other liquors (a.k.a. Canadian Club) and then fill a tub with beer.  

I forget this guy's name. But, he made a mean Canada Cake and then managed to offend almost every female at the party.  

The Canadian Crew! 

Christa and I in front of a damned good looking flag... 

By the end of the night, we had strategically placed ourselves in the bathroom next to the tub-o-beer... and away from one certain Norwegian.