Being Positive!!

Lately, I've been a little negative... a bit down, a bit out of sorts...  TIME TO CHANGE THAT!!!  :)

I have so much to be thankful for and to be positive about that I really need to focus on that.  I have let negativity in a bit and I just need to push that out.

Back in Alberta, I have a life coach who helps me to focus on the positive things in my life.  She teaches the science of happiness and the importance of being grateful in our lives.  I keep a gratitude journal and I encourage my students to do the same.

So, today, I focus on happiness and gratitude. Here are just some of the things that I am grateful for and things that I just can't get enough of in Australia:

• the Aussie sense of service, hospitality and welcoming nature
• Australian patriotism
• amazing country skies
• school uniforms
• the fact that people love my accent as much as I love their's
• that my students are incredibly patient with the Canadian way I say things and don't ever correct me unless I ask them
• how I have come to use "oi" and "whinge" as part of my daily language
• the way people kiss each other on the cheek when they meet/greet you
• hanging clothes out on laundry day
• the kindness that the people of Dubbo have shown me

I am also and most importantly, so incredibly grateful for my family and friends who have supported me and encouraged me in this adventure.  I know it's not always easy, but having their support has allowed me to find my happy again and smile more than I have in a long time.

There are so many things that I love about Australia and I'm so glad that I've been able to share them with people back home through Facebook updates, emails and blogs.  I promise that they'll be more positive, but just like life back home, we have ups and downs.  It's all in how we handle those ups and downs that determine who we are.

When in Rome, Do as the Romans do

I know this might sound like a strange post title, but it's what my sister told me the other day and it's part of the inspiration for this blog post.

I've been thinking about what to write for the last few days and trying not to let an incident from last weekend affect me. I started flicking through notes I've been making on my iPod and came across one of the first things I wrote: "experiences are what you make of them!" This ties into "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"... Let me show you how...

The other day, a group of Canadian exchange teachers and Aussie former exchangees, came together for a welcome picnic. A few of us met in nearby Mudgee (known for its wineries and yuppie flavor by people from Sydney who jet in for the weekend). Anyways, we met there and then drove out together to Hill End. I was looking quite forward to this as I was given a bit of gold rush history linked to this area (Ali's ancestors settled in Hill End). The drive into the country was amazing and we thought it looked like BC to us ... Rolling hills, beautiful big green trees, winding roads.

The town itself is tiny tiny!! But the old buildings are clearly the draw for tourists who walk through the town reading guide posts that teach you about Hill End and the historic buildings that remain. For someone who loves history, this was the perfect spot for our picnic.

However, on our walk around town, we somehow started talking about meat pies. I seriously have no idea how it happened, but that's what we were discussing when one of the Aussie's said "You stupid Canadians! You don't know how to eat a meat pie, you don't even know how to make meat pies." I was seriously dumbfounded, did someone seriously just say "Stupid Canadians"? No, that can't possibly have happened. I made a quiet remark about French Canadians being famous for their tourtière and then let it go.

We continued our walk and went into a small art shop where I met Genevieve. She and her husband Bill run Hill End printing press. www.hillendprintingpress.com.au
Their artwork was beautiful and the pieces they created using the 100 year old printing press were my favorites.

We went into the local pub where we had a glass of beer and enjoyed the local scenes - a guy who rode his horse to the pub, an older gentleman sitting outside the general store (cowboy hat and all), enjoying a drink while country music (banjos loud and clear) played. Total country and it was fantastic!

We now moved onto the actual picnic and were enjoying our beautiful lunch when I heard it again, "You stupid Canadians, you don't know what good bread is. I couldn't wait to get back to Australia to have good bread." And then again with regards to cheese and bacon. I believe we heard the statement "You stupid Canadians."

For those of you that know me, you know that I'm not one to keep my mouth shut. However, one of my goals this year was to find a filter for my mouth once again. I always feel the need to comment or retort back when someone says something that I don't agree with but especially when someone says something rude or unjustified. Now I'm trying to put myself in the other person's shoes. Think about why they're saying something and why they think that.

In this situation I was so shocked that I just couldn't say anything, just sit there. I didn't say a word because I would have then said something rude depending our cheese, bacon and bread!

Do you see the ridiculousness of it all?! Cheese, bacon and bread! Now I can actually find it quite funny because in Sylvan Lake we have a cheese shop that wins awards for their delicious cheeses. Last time I checked maple bacon was pretty delicious and wouldn't be the same without the maple flavoring/syrup that Canada is known for around the world. And our bread, well the Flax bread at the City Roast coffee shop in Red Deer or Sobey's sourdough loaf are some of the best breads I've ever had.

That was what was so ridiculous about what was being said and how it was said. Maybe these ladies were trying to make a joke. But let me tell you, whenever you refer to someone as "stupid" it is not funny. It's rude, thoughtless and offensive, especially when you're referring to a whole country of people.

Each experience is what you make it! I can choose to be like those 2 women or I can move on from it and learn from it. And that's exactly what I've done. Luckily for me, these 2 ladies showed me exactly how not to act in a foreign county or when speaking to foreigners. They reminded me to be thoughtful and kind in my words and respectful of those around me. I'm actually grateful for this experience because that's a reminder that we all need to hear once in awhile.

I'm just so grateful that all of the other Aussies I've met have been so wonderful. These 2 ladies seem to be an exception, not the norm. Because the amazing Aussies I've met have welcomed me into their homes, their lives, their families and have shown unwavering thoughtfulness and generosity. They are genuinely interested in Canada and love how we say things differently. They don't ever correct me when I've said the wrong thing because they know what I'm talking about even if I got the Aussie word wrong. They've taught me about their sports (cricket is the focus now) and they have shown me that hospitality is yet another thing that Australia should be known for.

That brings me to the quote my sister shared on Facebook.... When in Rome, do as the Romans do. This could be "When in Canada, do as the Canadians do." It could be any country. I feel it's so important when you're visiting or living in a foreign country to be respectful of and adapt to local customs and the way of life. Just because we do something a certain way in Canada doesn't mean that's the acceptable way to do it in another country. Really it all comes down to respect and cultural sensitivity. Perhaps we all need to do that a bit more no matter where we are. I'm not saying that we should set aside our beliefs and ideals, but that we should just be aware that those don't suit every person or every country.

I'll leave you on that note and tell you that each day I'm here, I try to do as the Aussies would do. And because of that, I'm adapting to life here well and honestly, still loving every minute of it.

Updates on Advenutres

Well, for those of you that know me, know that I sometimes get behind on my updates on Facebook and getting back to people on email... seems the same can be said for blogs.  Oops!  What can I say?? I've been very very busy, enjoying every minute of this adventure.

Last time I did a big update, was on my way up the coast...

I was in a small town called, Woolgoolga, just north of Coffs Harbour.  I couldn't find a room for under $150 in Coffs Harbour so I looked just outside of it and found this amazing little spot.  The people were friendly, hotel was clean with air conditioning, and the fish and chips was awesome!


After Woolgoolga, I headed up the coast to Brisbane to see my Aunt and Uncle who live there.  I was last there 8 years ago and couldn't wait to see them again!  The week was a wine and food feast!  It did rain a lot but honestly, I was just there for family time and not sightseeing, so I wasn't worried about the weather.  We enjoyed a lazy week because of the rain and spent time shopping, touring around, eating, drinking and repeat  :)  We had some wonderful visitors during our meals...

From Brisbane, I headed out on the long journey between there and Coonamble.  It was a 9 hour drive but the scenery was amazing and it was well worth it because I got to meet my exchange partner's parents who live there.  Wonderful people, wonderful hospitality!

Setting out on that adventure, was the best thing I could have done upon arriving in Australia.  I was able to overcome one of my biggest fears for the year and it just set the right tone for the days to follow. Coming back to Dubbo, I was happy to be coming back here, to my Aussie home.  I was excited to see my new friends and to continue enjoying Dubbo.  Since we talked last, that's exactly what I've been doing.

It was an amazing adventure, all 2,200km of it, and I look forward to many more to come.

Flix in the Stix

Hello everyone and my apologies for the long delay between posts.... what can I say???  I was enjoying my holidays  :)

I will be posting some more stuff this week to let you know what I've been up to, but I wanted to share a quick something with you.

Last night, I attended an event called Flix in the Stix, here in Dubbo.  It's a traveling presentation of Murray Hartin - storyteller, James Reyne - songwriter and performer, and a variety of short films.  It was supposed to be outside at a nearby wine estate, but the weather just didn't cooperate with us and the event was moved indoors to the local convention centre and theatre.  It was still an amazing night and I wanted to share a bit with you...

Here are some youtube clips from Murray Hartin and James Reyne.  Enjoy!!

http://youtu.be/sHejElxpVdY

http://youtu.be/eKuKbZ2KOxg

Technology and Traveling

This past week I've realized just how amazing technology is, especially for someone who's a traveler but loves to keep in touch with family and friends.

When I was in Japan, I didn't have a laptop, a mobile phone, wi-fi, an iPod, nothing. Within the first couple of days, homesickness hit and so did the loneliness. I felt detached from everything I knew and the shock of it all was very difficult.

Here I am now with wi-fi in the house, plus a laptop, and my iPod which has iMessage and FaceTime. We have social networking sites like Facebook and Google+, and sites like this to share our thoughts and experiences. We are now able to travel, be off on an amazing adventure, but keep in touch with our world back home.

I've iMessaged or Facebooked almost all of my friends and family in the past week and it's made this first week of settling in much easier. Hearing their voice, seeing their faces and even just getting a quick text to say hello, makes a huge difference.

I miss things about home for sure... My family, friends, and students of course. And being away from the people you love can be very hard, especially when you're as close as my family is. Today's the first time I've teared up a bit about being so far away for such a long time... Since I was bawling in the airport, of course :)

Knowing that everyone is just a phone call, text or FaceTime away sets the tears aside, and lets me focus on how amazing this adventure is.

Technology lets me be a world traveler and adventurer, but keeps those in my heart close by.

A year in Japan and a year in Oz...

Saying goodbye really was so difficult, but my family and friends understand that this experience is a dream of mine.  Also, after the past year and the stress I've experienced, this couldn't have come at a better time.

So, now, here I am in Australia and the surreal feeling still has not left me. This morning, I went for a swim in my pool and did some sun salutations with the sound of birds all around.  Surreal!!  Waking up in what will be my house for the next year, is still surreal, but I'm falling into routines and a familiarity with the house and the city.

I don't like to always make comparisons about countries or back home all the time, but my year in Japan has been in my thoughts, as I start this new experience.

8 years ago, I spent a year teaching in Japan.  I taught at a small international school for children aged 2 - 6, at that time (they've expanded since). It was an amazing year full of growth, learning, happiness, and wonderful experiences (Seema and Daisuke, you're a huge part of that).  Personally though, it was a very challenging experience.   I didn't speak the language very well and I couldn't read food labels, cooking instructions, or even train maps.  I got lost more times than I can count and I made tons of mistakes.  Those experiences made me learn new things and taught me what I was capable of.  It was hard sometimes because I stood out so much - blonde hair, green eyes, Japanese tattoo, nose ring and a bright red face from the heat.  Wherever I went, people looked at me and sometimes asked to touch my hair or nose ring.  I experienced home sickness like never before and doubted that I would last the year.  Thanks to my very supportive family, amazing Japanese friends, coworkers and boss, I did make the year and loved the experiences I had.  Japan taught me that I could be independent, that I could travel on my own, that people don't have to speak the same language to share a connection or experiences, and that the Japanese people are incredibly welcoming, generous and kind people.  Japan gave me the travel bug even more than before but also the confidence to set out on new adventures.

Now here I am, living in another foreign country, and it's a whole different experience in a lot of ways.  Here, I walked into someone's home.  It's hard to explain it, but it's such a comforting feeling to walk into someone's house that they've decorated, furnished and made a home for their family.  That's part of the beauty of this exchange, is that you don't feel out of sorts or uncomfortable because you've got a space to call your own for the whole year. Also, I don't stand out here.  Well, not until I open my mouth at least as my accent is a dead giveaway  :)

Everyone has been so kind, generous and welcoming here too!  I was greeted at the airport with smiling faces of friends and family of Greg and Ali's and a bouquet of flowers. Phone calls and invitations have greeted me each and every day and I love it!!!  Greg and Ali's family and friends are incredible and I'm grateful for everything they're doing to help me settle in. 

Just as Japan taught me many lessons, I'm hoping that Australia will be full of learning experiences and lessons to make me a better person.  It's been a rough couple of years, and while I promise I am not running away from anything back home, I'm still looking for new experiences here.  I'm hoping for a year of new sights, new experiences, meeting new people, learning more about myself and the person I want to be, and most importantly, finding my "happy" again.

With the sun shining and a warm day ahead, I wish you a wonderful day wherever you may be and whatever your day may hold.

Love, Actually

Leaving Calgary airport the other day, with my family sharing hugs and tears, I thought back to the movie Love, Actually. At the start of the movie, Hugh Grant is narrating a scene at London Heathrow airport. He said (not verbatim) that all you need to do is spend a few minutes at the arrival gate, watching the people arriving and the people greeting them, to know that love, actually, is all around. Today, as I said a very difficult goodbye to Mom, Dad, and the Weavers, I thought that even at the departure gate, you can see that love, actually, is all around. People's true, genuine emotions are most often what you see in airports, whether it's the frustration in the passenger whose luggage is way too heavy to meet regulations (we will talk about the lessons learned there in another post), the happiness in the family returning home together, the pure joy of a dad chasing his little boy around while waiting to board the plane, and the sadness of a daughter/sister/auntie leaving for an amazing adventure. No matter where you are tonight, look around to see the genuine emotions all around you, take in the honesty of it all and be sure to tell those closest to you how much you care about them. Remember that love, actually, is all around us, sometimes we just need a reminder to appreciate it.