What Vans did next

If I could turn back time

2006-09-05T04:43:00.001-07:00

I forgot to mention - I completely changed my hair! As it happens this was about two weeks ago now and the colour has already faded, and my fringe is back off my face again.

But, everyone seemed to love it. Quite a few people said I looked a bit like Uma Thurman! I thought I looked more like Cher, and sent myself up at my mates hen do which I thought was quite funny.

Anyway, I'm already thinking about what to do next. I've been threatening highlights for ages now so I think it time that I took myself seriously. Going dark is lots of fun but you know what they say about blondes!

Would you like ice with that?

2006-09-05T04:22:00.000-07:00

I started a bar job last night in my old local 'The Kings Head' in Crouch End. It's such a lovely pub! Big crooked tables, dark wooden floors, fairy lights, good music and the piece de la resistance - an original Space Invaders game! I love it!

The people I work with are lovely too and Lee (my boss) spent a year in Oz so we spent most of the night chatting about that. I'm working on Friday and Saturday night this weekend which under normal circumstances would be unthinkable but a week tomorrow I will be in Ibiza so I don't care!

Also, I had an interview for a permanent job in Brighton yesterday. It's for an agency called Man Bites Dog and they are excellent. Check out their website: http://www.manbitesdog.biz

I can't tell you how much I loved being back in Brighton. It's so chilled out, yet it has a real buzz to it. The music scene is rocking too. I saw posters and flyers for all sorts of wicked nights, not to mention a full on billboard for Supercharged - the breaks label that I will soon to be working for! The Kooks are from Brighton too and they are MASSIVE in the UK at the moment. I'm trying to get tickets to see them next month but all their gigs are totally sold out so might have to chance it on the night with some ticket tout action.

Anyway, I had a call from my agency this morning - they want me back for a second interview! I'm so excited. It would be a brilliant place to work. I'll let you know how I get on!

Keane on that

2006-09-05T04:10:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to tell you that I am loving Keane's new album 'Under the Iron Sea'.

I brought a copy while I was in Thailand and I have only just got round to listening to it. There are some great tracks on there. I particularly like 'Is it any wonder' and 'Leaving so soon' but I'm sure like with Hopes and Fears I'll go in and out of liking different songs at different times.

If you haven't already, it's definitely worth a look.

The mighty giraffe

2006-09-05T03:18:00.000-07:00

I went to London Zoo last week and apart from the giraffes - it was rubbish. Honestly, it was so rundown and overcrowded. The gorilla's were AWOL, the elephants were no where to be seen and as for the Kimono dragon - its anyones guess. Most of the animals were in confines that were far too small too. Something which really does bother me. They deserve so much more than that.

But, it was amazing to see the giraffes - they are so beautiful! There were two of them in the enclosure. Standing gracefully and gently pulling leaves off the trees with their long black tongues. I couldn't help but wish they were running wild in the dusky African plains but I do think it is important that people, especially children, get to see them first hand.

Actually, I've been thinking about adopting one. That would be amazing! I would call it Bernard after my toy giraffe that Elena brought me. Although thinking about it, I expect it would already have its own name. Well, I'd call it Bernard anyway.

Interesting facts about giraffes:

Giraffa means "one who walks swiftly"
A giraffe usually sleeps for only 1 - 12 minutes!
A giraffe's toungue is 18 inches long
The giraffe has seven vertebrae in its neck - the same that most other mammals have, including humans
Giraffes are fast and can reach speeds of up to 35 mph
The mighty giraffe can drink 12 gallons in one setting
Newborn giraffe calves begin their lives by falling 6 feet to the ground

Bring it on

2006-08-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

I've been back for two weeks now. Can you believe it?! In that time I've done so much, and seen so many familiar faces. Despite my obvious sadness at leaving Sydney behind, it has been absolutely brilliant being home.

The minute I arrived, I took a taxi to Elena's! It was so great to see her, and very comforting to know that she has been through the same thing as me and has come out the other side of it happy and enjoying life back home.

I've spent lots of time with my family and other friends too, and like everyone says it feels like I have never been away. As I've begun to get used to everything again, I'm really starting to feel excited about the future.

I'm already making lots of plans for myself, and have so much to look forward too. In two weeks time I will be Ibiza! and despite the knowledge that this is a house lovers paradise - I'll be with some of my nearest and dearest mates which will be brilliant. I've also got a wedding to attend and a weekend up in Manchester and Newcastle catching up with friends.

The UK breaks scene is totally on fire too! I'm off to Fabric this Friday to see the Plump DJ's in action. Plus, it looks as if I will be able to put my love of music to good use by getting involved with a record label in Brighton who are home to the one and only Krafty Kuts. I'll keep you posted!

Don't get my wrong, there have been many ocassions when I wish I was back in Bondi, hanging out with everyone, enjoying a schooner or two, and jumping in the beautiful ocean that I love so much. However, I'm getting on with it and making the most of it all. All you really need is a bit of positivity and away you go. Bring it on!

Goodbye Sydney, Hello London

2006-08-24T02:00:00.000-07:00

It goes without saying that leaving Sydney behind was one of the most heartbreaking things I have had to do. I had dreaded the moment for weeks beforehand and believe me - it was as awful as I imagined it would be.

As I walked through the departure gates, a million thoughts flashed through my mind, and a thousand tears rolled down my face.

For me, the past 12 months have been an incredible journey. One that I will never forget and treasure always. I can't begin to tell you how great it has been and how one snap decision to take my life to a new and unknown city the other side of the world has brought about such an amazing year.

In short, the many experiences you happen upon are ultimately what makes, or breaks, your time wherever you maybe. However, what really counts is those who you are lucky enough to share them with.

During my time in Australia I was fortunate enough to stumble across and become friends with people that brought about endless fun and happiness. People that made my time as brilliant as it was.

Despite being 12,000 miles away, I know there are there a certain few that will be close to my heart for years to come, who I hope to share more precious moments with again in the future.

Being away from home for that amount of time has also helped me to learn alot about myself too. I've worked out what's important to me, and what's not. I've come to realise that I need to trust my instincts more, follow my heart better and really do what makes me happy. I see how precious time is, and I'm less inclined to waste it.

For now, it's time for me to start a new chapter in my life back home in the UK. Down the line though, who's to say that I won't return to the city that turned my world upside down, shook me up and gave me so much? I'm certainly keeping the door open. You just never know...