Friday, 30 December 2011

New Year New Beginnings

Wow, just looking back on my old blogs and as to how long it's been since I posted.........A longtime.....
As 2011 finishes and the the new year is about to begin perhaps it's time to look at what's been and look to the dawn of the new year of my hopes and aspirations in the new year.
The old year has been a very mixed bag for me......It's been a roller coaster to say the least. The losses have been big, to say the least, but the gains have been enormous and have outweighed those losses that I have experienced. Who'd have thought a simple trip to America would have me looking to moving and working there next year. The friends I have gained from that trip have become true friends. India was an experience of a lifetime and I think the "Say Yes" policy to something like this really paid off. It puts the losses into perspective.
India was a country of extremes and although the poverty is unimaginable the people always had a smile and seemed to be content with life.
I've also learnt allot about myself; The whole world does not come crashing down just because one portion of your life ends and picking yourself up and dusting yourself off is important to moving on. Also no matter what has happened to you, there is always someone else out there that is going through a tougher time or has been through a tougher time and come through. The upshot of it all, stop focusing on what could of been and start focusing on what is........
My work colleagues already know this; It's all about me!!!Yes you read right. After 11 years of putting myself second I decided that it was me time. If that makes me selfish then so be it.
So what's ahead? The truth is it's an open book for me. I use to think that planning it out was a necessity, now I know that as much as you plan, life will still throw you a curve ball.........What I will say is that I am open to it all.......
I'll leave you with my last quote of 2011:

"There are two mistakes one can make in life, not going all the way, and not starting"

Happy New Year to everyone and may it be a great 2012!!!

Saturday, 29 October 2011

Day 59: Stranded

Stranded in LA. Could be worse.......Is there a right and wrong re the current dispute. On the one side you have a large company that has run rough shot over it's employees and is currently resourcing overseas pilots and maintenance contracts. Not to mention a rather substantial pay rise and bonus given to the CEO of that company for a rather poor performance in managing a company which is losing money, losing money on the sharemarket and has very poor people skills. The flip side, a bloody minded union fighting for what they believe is right. Good pay for fair work, keeping an Australian icon Australian and fighting for what Australia was built on " the god given right of any Australian to be given a fair go"...That seems like I have chosen sides, well I have. The CEO created this dispute to force the hand of the government to intervene and stop further industrial action. Wouldn't of been better to maybe addressed the problems that exist and work out a plan that was common to both parties......Don't give in boys......

Thursday, 27 October 2011

Day 57: Home

I fly home tomorrow.......I have had a great time met some unique people and reacquainted myself with some old friends. Most of what I blog are just random thoughts and feeling that I have. I use to bottle them up, become frustrated and fly off the handle about them......Now that I am heading home, I'm not sure what the next thing I want to do is. My residency is finished apart from my articles, and I could just quite easily slip back into that same old routine again. I think not.......What I have learned: say "YES", Yes to the next challenge, yes to opening yourself up to the world no matter how hard and "NO" to all the things in your life that will weigh you down.
Here's my take and everyone is different. I'm 38, single, I don't want kids and I won't apologize for how hard I work, I drink too much and have a dark sense of humour. If you accept me for who I am that's fine...If you don't "fuck off", I just don't need you in my life.........
The poet Maya Angelou once wrote
"My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return. "....................

Wednesday, 26 October 2011

Day 56: Balance

So here is the thing, I was bought up in a family that worked hard. My dad held three jobs and my mum was a collector for a pathology company. You could say that this work ethic runs in my blood. I don't want to, can't or am unwilling to switch off. You decide......I can see the flip side, you have to make time for family, to have one etc but it's just not me at the moment nor do I ever think it will be me.
So the obvious question, Do you regret it or are you nuts ? The truth, is yes there are some points at which I think I am going to be old and alone one day and have nothing. These times are few and far between but when they are there I can't help think what if ? However, I have an overwhelming desire to do what I love and what makes me happy. The truth is my chosen career makes me happy. I don't think that I will do the same job forever and I think that I will continue to reinvent myself in my chosen craft to keep it a challenge......Someone once wrote
 " To acquire balance means to achieve that happy medium between the minimum and the maximum that represents your optimum. The minimum is the least you can get by with. The maximum is the most you're capable of. The optimum is the amount or degree of anything that is most favorable toward the ends you desire."........................What I will say is that I am in bewildered awe of someone who like my friend can managed three children under seven, have a career, and still be happy. I just can't........

Monday, 24 October 2011

Day 54: Friends

Friendships are the most important things in the world. I have been very fortunate in life to have developed friendships that have stood the test of time. I'm not sure why, but there is something about seeing old friends and then just picking up where you left off. Time and distance do not seem to matter. The difference is that we are now older, I have lost more hair and there are a few more wrinkles and some greying has started.
However, a close friend reminded me that you don't necessarily have to talk all the time to each other but these friendships have to be a two way street. If only one person is doing all the work then it is not truly working the way it is suppose to.
Robert Hall once wrote "A friend should be one in whose understanding and virtue we can equally confide, and whose opinion we can value at once for its justness and its sincerity. "
They don't necessarily have to be old friendships to be valued either. I like the thought of sitting down and be able to talk with a person and then time just slips away in a matter of minutes.........A true friend for me is one who expects nothing, judges not and is just a presence in your life.......

Saturday, 22 October 2011

Day 52: Mind, body, soul

Kind of a deep heading. The truth, all of us are guilty of attraction of mind, body and soul. It may be on one level or all three levels or even two of the three levels. The most confounding factor to this attraction on whatever level it is, is the timing. Often it is all wrong and nothing we can do will solve that problem no matter how much we want it. It's happened to all of us at one time or another and the test is whether to act on this attraction or take the road less travelled.
Cicero once wrote "Nothing is more noble, nothing more venerable than fidelity. Faithfulness and truth are the most sacred excellences and endowments of the human mind.”     
The trouble is the heart wants what the heart wants, we seek each other out because something is missing and sometimes people just click................

Friday, 14 October 2011

Day 43:

Throughout the last few months people have tried to tell me who I am and what I am going through. My only words are "DON'T"... I know me better than anyone else. I know what I am thinking and how I am feeling. Just because you are my friend don't assume that you know every intricacy of me or my life. I am not nor never have been an open book to read......Travel has been good for me. Because it has highlighted major flaws in my character and allowed self analysis.....The truth is I don't need anyone to point them out to me.
Albert Einstein once wrote "When we judge another person it says nothing about that person, it only says something about those that do the judging."
Accept me for who I am not who I could be or who you think i should be.....And please don't tell me what I should think or should be thinking. I am quite comfortable making up my own mind about the things that occur in my life or are happening in my life........
In other words DON'T ASSUME anything about me. Accept me for who I am.........

Monday, 10 October 2011

Day 40: Human nature

I am never surprised with human nature anymore. I used to be because I thought everyone thought the way i did. I was very wrong. I have learnt very difficult lessons in the last 6 months about trust, respect and friendship. I started this blog because I wanted to travel in the hopes that I could purge and cleanse, both at the same time.
As time has moved on I have discovered that all you are in control of is yourself and that you can not foresee what people will do or how they will behave. The truth is you have no control. All you can do is surround yourself with people that you believe to have a good heart and nature.
Fortunately I have come out on the other side of my lessons with my health, dignity, or what's left of it, and sense of humour(or be it a little darker these days).......
Covey once wrote re human nature:
 "Seek first to understand and then to be understood. Most people do not listen with the intent to understand: they listen with the intent to reply. They're filtering everything through their own paradigms, reading their autobiography into other people's lives."

So what do I know about human nature. Absolutely nothing..........I can only comment on myself and myself alone. I do not judge, or critique because I am not a perfect person and I am not you..........

Monday, 3 October 2011

Day 34: Music for the soul

During one of the quiet times today I got a chance to think about the blues and the fact that I really do identify with this music. It's not the main stream crap that is on the radio but the old shanty's that have been set-up in the south where the fishmonger and the pastry chef, after they finish work for the day, come and jam and sing the "Blues". It's a way to vent and get it off your chest and be creative in the way you deliver your message. This week the locals are taking me out to see these. Granted you need a personal escort to these places as they are not for tourists and they are in the rougher areas.........But seeing as I'm in Louisiana and I love the Blues I'm up for it. Just said "yes"...........Hopefully will get some good footage and listen to some great music with good company at the same time.......

Day 33: Southern hospitality

Somebody once said you can surround yourself with as much technology as you want but the personal experiences that you have are what really make you happy. I agree with this whole heartedly. The reason ? How can you know if a person is interested in what you are saying or if you have their full attention if they use technology. This was highlighted to me today when I went to a french quarter picnic at an old plantation mansion. First let me say that BBQ's in the US are different. No boardies or thongs at this event. However, those were the only drawbacks. The people and the company great to say the least with that true southern hospitality. Yes it really does exist...........

Sunday, 2 October 2011

Day 32: Mall rats

So one of the movie trilogies I watched growing up were chasing Amy, Mall rats, and Clerks. I decided today that I simply must experience the mall in America amongst other things. Let me say right now WOW !!. The Mall of Louisiana is to say spectacular at the least. The Americans just have a way about customer service that makes us seem like mere amateurs to say the least. No problem is to much and they make you seem like you are their only customer and it's all about you. Granted I am an Aussie and there was a factor of wow your from Australia but they did it with everyone......
The other thing is, choices. I am not known for being a very good decision maker but given the choices over here I just don't think I would be able to cope.....There are brands everywhere..... Some I have heard of others not........I am in awe to say the least.....

Thursday, 29 September 2011

Day 29: Bold and Brash

First let me say I can't believe I didn't do this years ago. Not the observing at a university but the travelling. I think sometimes in life you try and do what's right, put someone else first and stop thinking about yourself and then suddenly you wake up and you have sold your soul so to speak......
I can say that because i did. Don't get me wrong I'm not upset that I did it but ask me whether I would do it again now and it would be a firm "NO". The reasons, numerous, pick one, give and take, selfishness, the ability to share this with someone else etc etc etc.......
I am a room service kind of guy on this trip, meaning that I am indulging myself in what I want to do.....Robert Frost once wrote "Freedom lies in being bold" So it's bold I will be..........

Wednesday, 28 September 2011

Day 28: I'm going the wrong way !!!

Now that I have your attention. That did not really happen. Although I must say my concentration factor has gone up by 80% now when I am driving. Reversing is a challenge and also I find myself veering to the right side of the road ie the curb when driving.
Although it is early days I am sure at some point that I will crash or be driving on the wrong side of the road.
Colloquial terms do not go down well here:
A simple phrase like "What have you got on today ?" meets with a look of astonishment (jaw drop and eye bulge) and a "What" promptly followed by "It's the accent and your terminology" I have also found a restaurant chain called outback steaks. Oh my god. A worse attempt at Ozzie food I have never witnessed. They have tried and have put fosters on the beer list. I met with the prof yesterday and politely informed him that Fosters is the beer we send overseas to keep foreigners from visiting. They have shrimp on the BBQ and some weird battered onion flower that I just can't bring myself to order. It is surreal witnessing what people think re Australia and what we do.......

Monday, 26 September 2011

Day 26: The good the bad and the ugly

So I never did say how the trip started. Not the best, to say the least. My driver a lovely elderly man from Korea spoke about his beagle dog and how in the old country he would of eaten it before it cost $1500 in vet bills. I wasn't sure if this was going to be a bad omen or not..........
We were delayed for 30 minutes on the Tarmac whilst Qantas changed a hydraulic part. Thank god they found it before we took off is all that I can say.
And I met Bubba and his first cousin Betsy at LAX. They were everything and more that I had described previously in my BLOG. No strip search but I think they came close. Shoes off, belt off!!! I was waiting for the next step to accompany Bubba to the room.......Because I was male, travelling alone and in a foreign country staying in a hotel for four weeks they thought I was trying to sneak in to the country with the intention of being an illegal immigrant.
I politely explained that although I was going to enjoy the experience that I have two cats, rent and have a job to go back to.......Although Bubba and Betsy made the thought of staying in America long term very tempting, I think I'll come back home in a month.
One more thing. I love Americans. At Houston, and please you will have to trust me re this as I was not able to take photos there were defibrillators on the wall just in case i decided to have a heart attack. Honestly they think of everything............
But, the truth, it is refreshing as a country and the people are great. I don't think they are use to an Aussie taking the piss which I have had to explain a number of times. After all you can take the boy out of Newcastle but can't take Newcastle out of the boy..........

Saturday, 24 September 2011

Day 25: Inebriation

So here's something for everyone. Do the 22 hours it took me to get to America and Baton Rouge and then say "Yes". Now this is where it gets messy, The yes is to watch the LSU tigers win in a 4 hour football match at a pub/restaurant. I have only just made it too the hotel midnight Baton rouge after disembarking at 1800) for the first time and am shattered but happy to be here. Yanks, I love them because they have taken fast food dining into the the 21 st century and beyond with their innovative thought re fast food and take away alcohol in a Styrofoam cup......lol....
So for a more philosophical look at things. Met some awesome Aussies today. Instead of asking what they could have done for them they presented our hosts and hostesses with chocolates on our flight. The amount of extra attention and thought that was given was not expected but appreciated by one and all.....These Girls thought about someone other than themselves and recognised that forethought into someone else's job was essential.........

Friday, 23 September 2011

Day 23: Questions ?

The questions are what the trip is about. It's about asking yourself and challenging yourself in life ---- Is there something you really want to do ? Can I help you with something ? Is this it ? Not the answers.....I already know deep down the what the answers should be. What I am looking for are the further challenges in life to challenge the way I think and also of course my way of life and what I have taken for granted for far too long...........
I think I probably should of done this a long time ago. Some of my friends have already done this and they have changed their life dramatically for the better. I'm not looking to make major changes or maybe I am.......

Thursday, 22 September 2011

Day 22: The Walrus

One of my favourite quotations is from through the looking glass:

"The time has come," the Walrus said,
"To talk of many things:
Of shoes—and ships—and sealing-wax—
Of cabbages—and kings—

Abstract I know, but it's one of my favourites and from all things Alice in wonderland.
So I started this blog 22 days ago have missed a few days here and there and to summate it all:
Be yourself, experience new things and above all else keep your identity. This is what makes you, you. I often say that I am my biggest fan, my harshest critic and judge. Don't let anyone be the judge of you and if the time comes that I need to be judged I will be the judge and be the executor of the judgment handed down.

To finish:

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May god hold you in the hollow of his hand.
(St Patrick)

...............................

Tuesday, 20 September 2011

Day 21: Big decisions.....

So moments of clarity require a number of things:
1) The moons to be aligned
2) To be away from all stresses
3) LUCK and lots of it.
I had a moment of clarity in the last week which for me has changed the way that I approach things. It will and has had an impact on both my work and social life.
Not so much a mid life crisis more like taking time to take care of myself and smell the roses. Those that know me well enough will be surprised re the decision. I think now that I have made it i say "it was about time".......
The trip not only highlights experiences it highlights that to make big decisions you must have clarity and the perspective of where you fit in the big picture. For me this began several months ago. I am just making decisions about what I have wanted to do for a long time.........

Day 20: Challenge yourself

This trip is about challenge. Challenging myself from my normal comfort zone and to try and experience different things. It would be all too safe to go on with the day to day grind and moan and groan about the missed opportunities (would of, should of, could of). However, the last thing that I ever want to be is complacent. To be complacent is to live in the past and think that you cannot change the future.
Unfortunately, in life, this is all too common........
I am also a big believer in finding out what's out there. I have become complacent and accepting of what life has dealt me. For me, getting away is paramount to get perspective in all aspects of my life, whether it be to find out who my true friends are or just to look at the big picture and find out where I fit in..........

Friday, 16 September 2011

Day 16: The art of conflict avoidance

So when you are travelling......Conflict will always arise be it between friends, family or complete strangers.
How do you avoid it:
So I did a small pole at work: Not necessarily the best but the most interesting answers appear here:
The first and by far my favourite is to paint my face black and bust a rap out. The logic behind this defies all sanity and even rationale thinking. If I didn't get maimed or killed for the complete lack of respect for another culture my rap would certainly bring about a savage beating to say the least........Honestly could you imagine an  overweight white guy busting out a rap song.......????
The second and a more practical offering esp when dealing with friends and family....earplugs. These are not only lightweight but versatile and can be used in just about any situation when the going gets tough.....
Shout the bar with Hand grenade drinks. This is where it gets interesting. These were drinks first made in 1984 at the Louisiana exposition and according to Wikipedia are only made at 4 bars in New Orleans with the recipe being kept under lock and key.......

Wednesday, 14 September 2011

Day 14: Bizarre......

So today I thought about weird things you would take on a trip. Not because I want to just because I wanted to see what bizarre things go through peoples minds when it come to travel:
"Glade plug ins" - so you have a fresh smelling room
"Duct tape" Now that's just out there !
One person "Their doctor"
"3M removable hooks"
And the final one "My wife"
All great answers from people who have obviously over thought the travel thing. Then I got to thinking what would I take. The truth is if I have my wallet, passport and the clothes on my back I really don't need anything else. Most of what I need i could buy and as long as I have the passport I have my identification and I can travel. Now if you're asking me what I'm packing that's a whole other story. One which I'm still thinking about. Although knowing me I will probably be still trying to pack an hour before I travel..........

Tuesday, 13 September 2011

Day 13.Are we there yet ?

Close. I have three days left before i start.
Travel is not only about the physical its about the emotional as well. You choose to travel for a reason. What that reason is, is very personal to everyone. Some travel for love, other for loss.
My reasons were simple. I am looking to find something that I lost. Also I have lost recently not just a partner but my best friend. That's why I started this and it's why I will finish it. Don't get me wrong there is no going back......Those bridges have been burned.
I am going to try and find my identity again and also to go somewhere where i can relax and immerse myself into new experiences and cultures.............

Monday, 12 September 2011

Day 12: Aspirations and intentions

When growing up all I dreamed about was vet. Very few of us get to live what they have so wanted to become. I think I am most fortunate to have attained not only the career that I want but a job that I really do love in a clinic that I have always wanted to work at. So what's missing ? Balance is important, I have learnt that over time.......
So what are the aspirations that I have.....To travel around the world and experience as much as possible. Instead of saying you haven't been to this country, what I really want to do is say I haven't been to this region. To immerse yourself in different cultures and customs is what I want most of all. So far, I have lived in one country(Japan) and whilst there adopted their cultures and traditions. The next step for me is to do mini tours and find places that I really want to spend large chunks of time in..........Vet has taught me that I must adapt to my ever changing environment and has also taught me to be versatile in the way I approach things. Some of what I have learnt I will take into my travels.......

Sunday, 11 September 2011

Day 11

Life is all about experiences. Types of people and personalities(be they single or multiple in the one person), places(both far and close to home) and moments.
Yesterday, I was reminded that it takes all types for the world to revolve.....And it is both the positive and negative experiences that makes us who we are and who ultimately we become.
My father once said, "You, appreciate things more if you have to work for them, and work he did." I have always adopted this ethos in life. Putting your heart, mind and soul into something you feel passionately about and achieving an end result be it good or bad is rewarding, not only for the experience you gain in achieving it but also in the appreciation of the road you take to get to the end result.
Robert Frost once wrote:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference

Words that I live by.........

Saturday, 10 September 2011

Day 10: Moment of clarity

In a world of the fast paced Internet and people rushing around constantly under time constraints people have forgotten the little things. Kindness, courtesy and etiquette are out the window and have been replaced by bullish, boorish behaviour and selfishness.
This is one of the reasons why I wanted to travel. No I'm not having a midlife crisis, but I did want to stop myself developing those traits which I find most undesirable.
I'm not necessarily saying donate all your clothes and become one with the environment. What I am saying is remember to thank the person next to you for giving up their seat on a bus for you or smiling or giving a nod to your neighbour. It's the little things that count............
I guess I want moments of clarity to realise that what we have is precious and to appreciate it everyday. The easiest way to do that is to go to a third world country and help. You don't need to solve a hunger problem or create world peace. It's the little things that often are more appreciated on a day to day basis like fixing a well, help build a school etc........
What I would like most of all out of this experience is to find like minded people that say "What can I do for you ?" instead of finding people that hold their hand out and say "What can you do for me ?"

Friday, 9 September 2011

Day 9: White knuckle fears....

I'm not sure about anyone else but my biggest fear about travelling is not getting from A to B. It's what happens at either end. The thought of someone named Bubba who is 200 + pounds, chaws tobacco, and wears a pair of mirrored aviator sunglasses and is possibly married to his second cousin being at customs sends shear terror down my spine. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for customs and it's not just the casual inspection. It's the strip search followed by a full cavity search because you didn't fill out your paperwork properly that gets me........
That's one. The other is being stranded in a foreign country, with no money, no contacts and no passport. The thought of that is, yes I agree absurd, but a distinct possibility because you do not know the "Walton factor". This little known factor occurs to people with the surname of Walton. It is not genetic but simply a curse that occurs to anyone named Walton. What's more it can strike at any time, and could be as simple as locking your keys in the car or be as monumental the "Travis Walton video after his abduction by aliens"(lol). I swear if i could get anymore absent minded on some days it would be an embarrassment not only for those in the direct vicinity but for those who have known me all my life........
Creating an international incident is something that I will embrace with open arms if it occurs..........

Thursday, 8 September 2011

Day 8: The very spice of life

William Cowper once wrote "Variety's the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavour." I have very eclectic tastes when it comes to music, friends and travel. Granted, America is not really a challenge to the mind or the soul. However, it offers a way to escape the daily repetitive grind of work, home, and sleep. I think for me it offers a challenge because it's something new. It is not as confronting as a third world country such as India or Uganda.....
I would like to think of myself as open minded when it comes to travel and culture, however, in the next few months this will test my open mindedness and ability to adapt as I travel to opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of culture and lifestyle........
Here's hoping I'm up to the challenge.......

Wednesday, 7 September 2011

Day 7: The Horror

So, I finally reached a point today where I looked at all the things that I have not done to prepare for the trip. Not even a well planned list is going to get me out of this one.....
The to do's are endless and the have done's are virtually non existent.....
Look's like the old duffle may have his time again.......
A friend told me today, that the more you travel the easier it gets and the more relaxed you can be re packing and travelling. Let's hope that's true........
More importantly I have come up with a new idea.... expendible clothes. Modelled on the paper plate rule. When you are done with them you just throw them out as they disintergrate the second time you try to use them.....Think it's a winner.....

Tuesday, 6 September 2011

Day 6: Preparedness....

The next problem that I have is how much do you take with you. When I use to be a jackaroo I use to take three pairs of jeans, two for work and one for Friday and Saturday night, 5 work shirts and 2 dress shirts, 1 pair of dress boots and a pair of work boots. All this would fit into a duffle and would do me for the duration. Times have unfortunately changed and dare I say it not for the better. I am such a bloke when it comes to this.......if i could get away with the old duffle I would. Instead now with have new technology so iapds, laptops, phones and digital cameras have to be included before you even look at clothes...
However, in Uganda next year it will be the bare basics again and this I look forward to most of all......

Monday, 5 September 2011

Day 5: Preparedness

Everyone, especially me forgets the amount of organisation that goes into these trips. I, being a male and only being able to do one thing at a time find it a real task.....
When travelling to third world countries remember the following:
Vaccinations are important. The doctor who vaccinated me last week put the fear of god into me. He described in great detail and with an enthusiasm that reminded me of a used car salesman making his 1000th car sale of the year how India was an infectious disease doctors wet dream. And, as for rabies it was the country that had the second highest rate of infection in the world.
That was fine. I was up for it, but it was when he then took the time to explain that if I was bitten in India that I would have to wait in a public hospital queue for 2 days and then be turned away from receiving the equine serum against the virus that I literally was having a mild coronary.
The other most frightening thing is what they call the gastro kit, consisting of antibiotics, gastrogel, hydralyte etc....His words to me were simple and have resonated to many vets over the years and I have no doubt will be heard many more times in the years to come. Make one up yourself. You have access to drugs......
To be continued.....

Sunday, 4 September 2011

Day 4: How did this eventuate....

The choices. A bit more difficult than you might think, initially. The last thing that has been on my mind recently is my fellowship training program....Being the procrastinator that I am, I have delayed, put up road blocks and thought of every excuse none to man why I haven't completed. I knew I had to complete this first for sanity reasons...... If you don't know the American system they have taken pride in charging for things that use to be classified as decent hospitality. Originally I looked at California to find they wanted $1000/wk for the privilege of letting me watch them work.
I eventually settled on Louisiana for 3 reasons: The first and by far the most obvious is they wouldn't charge me for the experience. The second is that a friend had already been there previously and so already had contacts at the school(thanks Danielle!!) and the third was the Jazz and Blues.....
India was a little different. Somebody asked and I said "yes".
Uganda and South Africa have been countries that I have wanted to visit for years. After speaking with friends that had been there, it was an easy decision to make.

Saturday, 3 September 2011

Day 3: How did this eventuate:.....

I would say that I got up one day and had a great idea, but the truth is, that would be a lie..... It came about by a small event with large implications. I had a moment of where I turned around at the end of my 11 year relationship and thought "What have I done with my life since this relationship began ?"...... The sensible person in you says"saved money for a house, car and all that crap" but myself wanting to give an honest appraisal looked a little deeper and saw that I had accomplished nothing in that time. In 11 years i had buried a father, alienated a partner to the point where she had grown away and sort others company, and worked. I had forgotten what was important......That was to have fun and experience as much as you can in the short space of time that we occupy the earth!!.....
There is no blame to be dealt. There is a sense of loss, and for me these are the catalysts that got me off my arse, determined to do something, make my mark no matter how big or small.....
That's how it came about.... Now to the choices....... You'll have to wait...

Friday, 2 September 2011

Day 2: OFT(Obligatory f***king around time)

There is an art to travel. I am not skilled nor have ever been skilled at organisation. Some say I just plain suck at it. That's why I had a travel agent organise me when I was going to Baton rouge and canada. I found out why this afternoon why:
So here's the itinerary:

QF    15 Sat  24SEP Brisbane-Los Angeles    HK1  1055   0700
CO 1027 Sat  24SEP Los Angeles–Houston    HK1  1055   1609
CO 4962 Sat  24SEP Houston–Baton Rouge   HK1  1740   1840  (OPERATED BY COLGAN AIR DBA CONTINEN)               
UA 4101 Sat  22OCT Baton Rouge-Houston   HK1  0745   0855  (OPERATED BY EXPRESSJET A/L DBA CO E)               
UA 4697 Sat  22OCT Houston - Toronto         HK1  1015   1418  (OPERATED BY SKYWEST DBA UNITED EXPRESS)               
UA 8574 Sat  22OCT Toronto – Halifax             HK1  1635   1931  (OPERATED BY AIR CANADA)                            
AC   615 Fri  28OCT Halifax – Toronto               HK1  1350   1508 
AC   793 Fri  28OCT Toronto – Los Angeles     HK1  1755   2010 
QF    16 Fri   28OCT Los Angeles-Brisbane     HK1  2320  *0610 +2days (Sun)

Her question.... How does this itinerary look...."Busy" was my response. Next to accomodation.
I am doing this now because i'm playing catch up. I'm trying to catch up on things that I have missed doing and for lost mispent time. There's no easy way to do it. You just have to get out there and throw yourself into it boots and all.

Thursday, 1 September 2011

Day one

So, here it is..... 38, recently separated, good job, no ties. What do you do?
Those that don't know me will watch and wait for the cracks to appear and for me to fall apart. Those that do know me wait for the penny to drop...... I'm alive, have my health and no ties.... So what else ? You travel! A friend once told me at moments like this when asked say "Yes" So that's what i'm doing !!! Travelling and saying yes if asked...........