Life per usual

I haven't blogged in a while because... well... no good reason. I just feel like I should only blog about exciting things. But, the reality is that it's life per usual here in Australia. The honeymoon period has worn off. I can go to Wooly's and not spend 2 hours ogling the different products. (The Asian grocery store is still a challenge though). I know which bus I need to take. And I know that the Wednesday night bus driver is on a mission- he gets us back to Broadbeach in 25 minutes while the daytime drivers usually takes 30-50 minutes. I only cringe a little when I hear the word 'jumper' now. The word 'uni' has become a part of my vocabulary. I eat vegemite. And I like it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm so stoked to be here. But unfortunately I'm not wrestling crocodiles and hopping around with kangaroos every day. I'm a student trying to make it through my last 6 weeks of law school. I'm a visitor trying to meet Australians and learn what makes them different and also what makes them the similar. I'm a person trying to grow. And perhaps most importantly, I'm an inhabitant of the Earth trying to ensure that it has a future past 2050. This is my life.

A few thoughts on life and being 25.... My birthday was about 2 weeks ago and yes, I survived my quarterlife crisis. I think that the chocolate cake for breakfast courtesy of my roommate was definitely an integral part to overcoming the crisis. My previous study abroad in Spain occured when I was 20 and turning 21-another pivotal time. I find that I'm different aside from just being older. This time around, I knew exactly what I was getting into and did it anyway. With Spain, I felt a little bit like I was tricked into some things. With Australia though, I managed to botch my visa worse than with Spain. Definitely room for improvement in the preparation department! Here though, I don't pretend like I don't speak the language when the oh so pleasant topic of politics comes up. I've come to terms with the fact that most people hate Americans. ("drill, baby, drill" anyone?) It's sort of understandable.

Anyhow, the most important thing I've realized is something I've known all along- that life is a do it yourself sort of thing. I'm the one that is responsible for my happiness. I flip out every now and then about being 25 and not having started my 'real' career, etc. And then I realize that hey, I'm in Australia. In November I will be spending time at the Great Barrier Reef. Unfortunately, people who are waiting until they retire to see it will be too late. In December, I'm going to visit SE Asia. While security is something that humans are always lusting after, I'm ok with my path and the uncertainty that it brings. I'm happy with what I've chosen for myself.

So yes, more adventurous blogs to come. Brisbane this weekend, Vanuatu in a few weeks, 1 book to read, and 2 papers to write. Yup, life per usual