Day 1

Farewell

Yes, I am leaving Australia in approximately 9 hours time. Here's the incipient stages of packing (what a horrendous sight)!

The Residency of 818.3

I've lived in the same room for the past four years, and resultantly I've accrued a lot of stuff. Even though I moved all the way to Australia, there was something comforting about keeping to the same home while here, and I am so grateful for the experiences I've had in Apartment 818.

My memory is absolutely horrendous, so I couldn't quite tell you details of every enlightening occurrence in this apartment. What I can say though, is how much I've learnt while staying here. I've learnt to be accepting of different levels of cleanliness, I've learnt to be direct, I've learnt to be receptive, and I've learnt how to play 500. I've learnt to be patient, to focus, and to do headstands against the wall.

Headstands and Matching Attire with CaraCuz/+Cara Welker 

I've learnt to make meals from pasta, peas and cheese.

As the constant resident, I also learned how to be inviting, as I knew how jarring the initial move can be. I'd offer newcomers advice on the little and big things, enquiring about their backgrounds and hoping that they'd be tidy. Of course, they offered me so much more. There are women out there who know plenty of my secrets, how emotionally charged I can get, my competitive spirit and my constant frustration with my shortcomings. They know that I like to challenge myself in nonsensical ways (like the semester in which I liked to "beat" them up to the sixth floor by running the stairs faster than the elevator could lift), even at the cost of my wellbeing (giving myself a measly $20 budget for groceries each week), and I really mean that (doing the 40-hr famine during the show run of "Little Shop of Horrors", and only allowing myself plain tea for the whole interim).

What is "Day 1"?

My friends +Aidan Bryant and +Alexis Porter encouraged this blog. They reasoned that it'd be an optimal way of informing everyone of my discoveries of Terra Incognita. Day 1 is today, the day I venture to upkeep this blog. The day I say goodbye to my boyfriend +Thomas Dobson for an interminable amount of time. The day I assure everyone I will be skyping and emailing and snail mailing. The day I will never forget, even with my horrendous memory.

The day in which I wonder what the hell I'm doing, to be throwing away what I have here for something I'm not even sure I want.

Perplexed

I have to admit I've learned the benefits of keeping a free schedule (thanks to aforementioned boyfriend). In fact, my life in Australia was often planned months in advance, as I incorporated long intervals of rehearsals, solidified regular work shifts, and knew the exact date and time for my next trip to the States. A life with that kind of structure fosters high achievement, but at what cost? This past weekend, I was happy to say "yes" to many singing experiences, and I ended up singing in 2 choral church services, 2 choral christmas concerts, and 1 wedding. It was my last weekend in Australia. 

With Members of the St. James Choir

I am torn; the experiences were absolutely outstanding, and I was able to say goodbye to my fellow singers. However, I was unable to spend time with many of my closest friends, and I was emotionally drained when considering how limited our time would be. 

To be honest, I loved the outcome of the past few days. I loved the constant rush, the intermittent visits from friends while I packed, the solace I received when desperately considering solutions. I loved being "annoyed" by the people I love.

I think it's safe to say, life is best described as a contradiction.

No circumstance or person will ever be "perfect", but their imperfection compliments my experience of life so appropriately! Like that time I said to Tom:  You're not perfect… but you suit me just fine.

Hehehe

One last thing…

Yep, my 2014 address is in Welsh.

"Llys y Gored Ddu"