01.15.11

And just like that, the second week has gone by quicker then the first! Monday morning the girls left for Sydney. They came back home late Tuesday night. John also left on Monday too. He started a farm job out in Shepparton about an hour and a half West of Melbourne. He is helping to build fences for some guy who rounds up a bunch of back packers to do some hard labor for two weeks. The bad part is that he has to gone for two weeks, but the good news is that he will be making really good money! I am just sad I couldn't go with him.
On Wednesday we woke up early and headed to the Docklands for lunch. We visited St.Patricks Cathedral and did a quick walk of St.Kilda before getting stuck in the rain. We headed towards Zia's but stopped at Mina's son, Patricks, wine shop. Lisa bought a few bottles of wine and Patrick gave us a bottle of vodka to take with us to Laurie's and Angie's place that night for cocktails.
Liz was there with Zia, and Mary stopped by later on to say goodbye to the girls. We ate dinner with Zia and even got a chance to meet Nadia before they said their final goodbye. Zia was so sad to see them go. I swear it looked like she might cry, but she gave them both more kisses then I could count, and we slowly walked away.
Our final stop for the night was at Laurie's (Mary's son) and his wife Angie's place. Really just a few minutes from Zia's place; everyone got together for a night of cocktails. We nibbled on all the food and drank far beyond our limits. It was so nice to be with all the cousins and to laugh as hard as we did among each other.
We had called a taxi around 11 o'clock to come get us, but to our dismay, they didn't arrive until 2am. If it weren't for Angie, we most likely never would have left. She gave the taxi company a piece of her mind, wanting to know why the taxi never came. Apparently, if you don't call within 45 minutes of your first call to see if the Taxi is on it's way, they cancel it! I know, doesn't make much sense, but we did eventually get home. We were all so tired, that we all just went to sleep.
Lisa, April got up early so they could packed. I had to get up too because they were going to take home John and I's final suit case. John had it all packed up before he left, but I wanted to help the girls out in whatever way.
By 10 o'clock they were saying their good byes. I'm not going to lie, I was kinda teary eyed. I enjoyed seeing them, but it was even better to see how much the family enjoyed their company. Everyone has been so excited and happy; it's no wonder that we are all still full of smiles!
It was also strange to see them go and to no be leaving with them. I think it was at that moment that Australia started to feel more like home. It was an immediate coping process where I understood that this was where I would be for the next few months, I knew that John and I will be saying our final good bye's too, so I needed to take advantage of every single moment that we spent here from now on.
The house was silent and felt empty. Jen and I started cleaning and re-organized all the chaos that happened between the computer room and the guest room that the four of us were staying. We washed the linens, put away the air mattress, I cleaned up the guest room and the computer room, vacuumed and dusted. I must say it felt to good to be domesticated and get things done. I was sad most of the day, not sure if it was because the girls were gone or if I wished I had left with them. Not having John around didn't make it any better, but I just thought over the past two weeks and all the fun we had and reminded myself of how quickly the time will go by for John and I as well.
Having them come was a nice way to be in touch with his family back home, just the same as I was able to see my family for a quick minute when I went back home to be with my grandpa. Their departure marked the start of our final leg in our year adventure. Only 4 months left. I can't believe it. I feel like we have so much to do still, and am starting to feel anxious with the amount of time we have left.
The good news is that I did start working at the gym. I worked my second shift this week. The bad news is that they can't offer me more hours and the pay is considerably low. I spent the last few days applying to more jobs, hoping that the end of the holidays will mean a more eager hunt for those hiring. Let's just keep our fingers crossed.
One thing we are looking forward to is that Justine is planning on coming to America during her 5 week Uni break in June/July. Her parents already told her that they would buy her her plane ticket for her 21st birthday party, and she is already actively working towards putting money away in a savings. It will be so nice to have her in our home town and to show her how we do things in America. (Shes been to Ohio several times to visit the Trzop's but she was young/underage). It's an exciting thing for us all to look forward too, especially since I know John and I will be missing her terribly.
And that is that. What a great two weeks. I had so much fun, I dont know what else to say.
We both love you and miss you Lisa and April. We are so happy that we got to share these memories with you! What a wonderful way to start off the New Year. See you back home soon!