Luggage Woes

Well, it seems that it WAS a good idea to attempt packing my bags ten days before I go because it seems I have a small, tiny dilemma...

My main suitcase is underweight by about 5 kilos while my carry-on luggage is overweight by about 4 kilos! 'Simple', I hear you say. 'Just put some of the things that are in your carry on luggage into your suitcase'.. Problem solved, right?

Wrong!

Firstly, my suitcase is completely full, there is NO spare room anywhere. Come to think of it, I am suprised my zip even went all the way up (ok so maybe it wasn't that bad). Secondly, my carry-on luggage still has a spare bit of room in it for more stuff! So, I'm in a pickle and am not sure what to do because I really don't want to have to unpack everything in a different way! Argh, the joys of packing.

I even think I've packed too many clothes and could probably get away with half of what I packed but then I'd get to London and want the thing that I decided not to pack! Of course.

I figure that since I am going to London to LIVE and not for a holiday then if I do need something then I can always buy it.

So, even though packing my suitcase is a pain, I am excited about heading to London and I'm wanting to work as soon as I can so I can start getting £££ paid into my soon to be activated British bank account!!

My Going Away Party

Last night was my going away party. I wanted to have a BBQ but due to weather forecasts, decided against it - however, in typical Melbourne style the weather was the complete opposite of what was forecasted. Instead of being 38 degress, it was raining, although it was still warm.

I thought it was a great night, a chance to catch up with everyone at least one last time before I leave. I remember just talking about my party and waiting for it to arrive and then all of a sudden *bang* without any warning, January 20 arrived. Time is going so fast!

As for London, I'm a tiny bit nervous but mainly I'm excited. I think I'm excited because at the moment I'm not really focusing on the fact that I will have to work once I'm there (and I've heard stories that the kids in the UK are horrible - but I guess I'll find out for myself soon enough!)

Oh work reminds me of money and money reminds me of the crap exchange rate between the Aussie dollar and British pound... I converted $600 and I got £220... I nearly cried. £220 is the equivilent of two days teaching in the UK - so bring on the work when I arrive otherwise I will be extremely poor!

p.s thanks to those of you who gave me gorgeous cards at my party (and presents!) - you shouldn't have cos it makes me sad cos I still kind of forget that I'm leaving!

So frustrating

I am a little bit frustrated because it seems that everyone I talk to about my upcoming London adventure seems to find something to criticize about.

I know I am taking a big risk by leaving life as I currently know it but this is my choice and I actually have done a lot of 'research' and am not going into this adventure without some sort of idea of what I'm getting myself into (then again, that is half the fun!) Sure, it will be different and I am not expecting this change to be easy but I didn't expect people to be so negative towards me wanting to do this.

Sure, I get that people are trying to help but you should know me better than to think that I wouldn't think things through. Ultimately, it is my life and regardless of anyones opinion, I will do exactly what I want to do and I am sick of people trying to bring me down. This is an exciting time for me and I am finally achieving this dream so please, think about how your words might make me feel before you give me some more 'advice'. Just be excited for me and trust that I will make the right decisions!

Sim
xx

HappY NeW YeaR

I can't believe 2007 is here. I was about to say 'finally here' but 2007 came so fast. I think I blinked because I seriously feel like I missed 2006. After New Years, I like to reflect on the year before and think about what I have achieved and what I still want to accomplish - I feel that this gives me some purpose to my life instead of just watching it all go by without really doing anything.. So, this is my list of accomplishments from 2006...

• starting a new job (and SURVIVING!)
• losing weight (actually doing it, not just talking about it)
• becoming happier with myself (which leads to more confidence!)
  
• making the decision to go to London to work.

I would have to say that they are the main things that happened last year. For 2007, I would love to continue to gain confidence in myself, continue to lose weight, TRAVEL and meet loads of people!

So, to all of you out there - I hope that 2007 brings you all the happiness in the world - but remember, you make your own happiness! Take risks, live life and have fun!

Another Big Night

Oh man, well, the gym Christmas party was at Volt and at $50 a ticket with spirits included, how was I to say no??

I stupidly took my camera because I am on this massive 'lets take heaps of photos' phase and my camera got a bit drunk (I'm pretty sure it was vodka) and is still in recovery as some of the buttons are still a bit sticky!

Nevertheless, it was a great night - from what I remember anyway!


On a random note - Belinda and I went to Robbie William's concert last night and I swear he was on drugs. Anyways, beside the point, he was SO hot. I love Robbie and his song 'Strong' is awesome. The lyrics just make me melt...

And you know and you know
'Cos my life's a mess
And I'm trying to grow so before
I'm old I'll confess
You think that I'm strong you're wrong
You're wrong
I'll sing my song my song my song

Til next time...

So Excited!

I have oodles of excitement about going to live in London today! It is going to be so awesome but I kinda can't believe I am actually going! I'm thinking about doing a contiki tour a week or so after I arrive before I start working but I'm not sure yet.

My 'places to see' list is getting bigger all the time. I went to a travel expo today and one of the agents I spoke to told me that a lot of people go over there and don't end up seeing all they wanted to see because they get so caught up in the work aspect of the holiday and they enjoy the vibe of living in London so much that they just don't travel. I told him I wouldn't be doing that and I will definitely be traveling heaps!

I go through phases where I'm like 'oh but I'm going to miss my friends' but then, I know I'll meet so many people over there anyway and there is always email :)

I'm stressing about packing my whole life in a suitcase though - there is so much I could bring but I guess I can buy it over there.

So, yeah guys I have a count down thing which tells me how many days I have to go before I leave and at present I have 70 days! Unreal - so doesn't feel like I am even going overseas. Oops, I am meant to go to the police station and get certificates certified today. Oops! Better get cracking otherwise I won't be registered with any teaching agencies over there and that won't be good!