There have been several…

times this trip that I have seen something beautiful, awesome, amazing, or just plain cool and said “I should take a picture of this” - and then I haven’t.

I think about it, I really do. I have my camera at all times. The thing is, I feel like there are moments and memories that can never be captured on film, and spending time trying to, only wastes the experience for you.

I think it’s important to keep some things private in life. I do post a lot of pictures to Facebook and whatnot, and I think that’s important too - to share your life with friends and family.

But there have been moments when just living in the moment, and soaking up the experience have been enough. 

I think this is something everyone does. 

I’m okay…

with the fact that no one cares about or reads my blog - it really is here for me to look back on and remember fun times, cool quotes, beautiful art. 

with that being said, I would like now to document my happiness about officially getting a job at Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada this Fall semester! It’s a job I really wanted, and I’m really happy they chose me. 

I was so nervous about doing Skype interviews, so this is a huge relief! Plus, now I can start saving money to pay back my parents for this insane semester abroad.

The more…

I think about it, the more I have great revelations about my time abroad.

My friends here have made this experience what it is.

I have gained friends more than I have gained anything else.

I came into this experience thinking I would meet people to travel with, and have a chill time exploring Australia. I definitely did.

But these friends aren’t expendable, they aren’t just the people I met abroad. They are all amazing people, some I would consider best friends, and life-long friends. 

You don’t really think about that aspect when you come abroad - you think everyone will be there serving a purpose for each other, a comfort when you miss home, a traveling buddy when you don’t wanna go it alone - but it was a lot more intense than that for me.

List

Some things I have learned about myself (and life) since being abroad

1. I love summer and warm weather … fall is my favourite season still, but I have a new appreciate for summer
2. I love the ocean, and would love to live by it for the rest of my life - not growing up near the ocean, I never really understood the appeal and beauty of it… I sure do now
3. I’m NOT a city person. I always thought I was, but I am so much happier and so much more myself when I’m in a small town, or hiking, or in a laid-back environment…the hustle and bustle is not for me.
4. There will never be a perfect time for anything. “When I’m back at school I’ll start eating healthier” … never happens, and I always say that about everything. But I’ve come to realize that learning how to be yourself and be healthy and fit when you’re in flux and traveling all the time is a priceless skill that can be achieved.
5. I have a lot of flaws and I am no longer embarrassed by them
6. I don’t believe that sleeping around or having a busy dating life (to be more politically correct) mean I am “living life to the fullest” or “grasping your youth” … I think (for me) it would mean I was taking the value out of something I care so much about. It would mean I wasn’t giving special people attention, including myself. I find other ways to live my life and feel fully satisfied by it.
7. I used to think that I fell in love easily with guys, but turns out, I just fall emotionally for all people. I feel like I have formed really strong bonds with a lot of people here because I just think they’re all so awesome. 
8. Having friends from all parts of the world is really refreshing.
9. I have learned to always say hello to the person sitting next to me… you can learn just about anything from any one.
10. Finally… I have learned that the feeling of time flying makes me just as motion sick as a moving car does …and like my remedy when I’m car-sick, I need stability, physical comfort, fresh air, and sugar to make me feel better.