I could recite some scholarly psychological reasons for my lack of direction, I could offer some heart-wrenching excuses – but the fact of the matter is – doing such will not get me any closer to finding my life’s compass than I was before.  And this is a very big problem.

I began my Australian journey long before I had ever considered Sydney as a place to live.  It began with a sense of unrest.  An unspoken yet annoyingly nagging feeling that I needed to be somewhere else, doing something else.  I didn’t know where, I didn’t know what, I didn’t know why or how.  I only knew that 1. change was necessary, 2. it needed to be big, and 3. it needed to be international.

Other than this my only main life goals were a post-graduate education and hopefully a job doing something I enjoy.  So that was it.  I tried to envision a more concrete “5 year plan” like WHAT I should major in or WHAT I would like to do as a career but I didn’t even know if I liked sushi, or what was my favorite flavor of gelato!  Not that this mattered – the point was I had no idea what I wanted.  It seems a funny thing happens when the unexpected becomes the goal – suddenly it becomes very difficult to want or plan anything – those wants or plans can’t be “unexpected” if they’re planned can they?

So I strolled along the avenues of my life, searching for open doors to take me from my street into a world unknown.  I figured eventually I’d discover a path and it would just “work out.”  When I found the door to Australia open, I ran inside and locked the door behind me.  No turning back.

INTERMISSION:  I’ve decided to fulfill my promise and post pics from SYTYCD!!!  Be warned – they’re pretty flippin amazing – though the end of the slideshow got a little messed up – but hey – c’est la vie.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xer812o26tk]

Ok – back to it.  There was just one little problem – I still had no idea what I was going to do.  I only knew WHERE I was going to do “it.”  I had reached my “goal” – big, international change with a bonus helping of post-graduate education – but I had no direction.  Peace and Conflict seemed a noble and worthwhile goal – until I discovered that the walls of that hallway were painted with hypocrisy, agendas, and lack of structure.

I backed out of that one and thought “Hmm – Digital Communication sounds nice.  Digital IS the way of the future and communication is my thing.”  But today as I was doing my research I was told DO NOT MAJOR IN ANYTHING COMMUNICATION- or at least not if you have to pay for it.  My source was quite reputable, he recently retired from being the President of a broadcasting company.  His opinion is that my degree would be the worst investment and biggest waste of money ever.  How’s that for reassuring?

MINI BREAK Here is a clip from the show … watch for us on the lefthand balcony of the stage.  This was my fave performance and you can totally see us!!!  Here is Gianne and BJ.  (skip to like 1 minute in to avoid the boring talking part.)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI78q-9YY4U]

And now I’m left wondering what the use of goals are if you have no direction.  And though of course, indirectly, the whole purpose of this “unexpected” thing was to discover my unexpected but entirely desirable “direction in life” – but I fear I’m as far away from that goal as I ever have been.

I guess the good news is that along the way I’ve learned some pretty amazing things and revived a few old goals – like the whole R word which leads to the L word which leads to the M word (shudder) I didn’t have that in the 5, 10 OR 20 year plan – NOW – well … I am still not planning on it – but I definitely wouldn’t mind considering it.

WHICH BTW – The FM gave me a spreadsheet-ish breakdown of the differences between a DB (like Captain Charisma or U.D.B.) and a nice guy (like the dude from the party on Sunday or potentially CC+4 or Ben but since FM hasn’t met those boys he isn’t willing to call them nice yet.)  SO I will post the differences tomorrow. 

As well as my view of boys who use emoticons.

AND TO MAKE THIS THE LONGEST POST IN THE WORLD (not so large exaggeration) here’s a sucky one in which we are in MOST of …  Talia and Emmanuel (skip like before …)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9Jn4qDt9wY]

`

I ended up enjoying the class – who knew Counter-terrorism and Human Rights would prove to be fascinating? There is so much to consider with regard to the delicate balance between security and liberty.  A nation must be secure in order to provide liberty but protecting certain liberties can endanger security! A bit of a catch-22.

We fared ok on our sucky group presentation but we didn’t get an A.  5 years ago I would have cried because I didn’t get an A – but I’ve decided that because this was out of my control (stupid group work!) I don’t need to fuss myself about it.  We got a B.

After class I headed out with the FM’s GF and I’ll tell you what – I love that girl!  She’s CRAZY!  lol.  She calls me a “shocka” all of the time – but I think maybe she’s projecting.  HAHA!  Ok – maybe we’re BOTH “shocka”s.  She’s on the far left in the pic below.  Her hottie sis is in the background and the cutie next to me?  That’s Ben.  He reckons I should go camping while I’m in  Australia.

I think camping is a great idea and all but I have this phobia of worms.  Oh yes.  Worms.  I’m terrified of them.  I can’t look at them, the thought of touching them makes my skin absolutely crawl and they live in dirt.  And I don’t like dirt.  But there is a lot of dirt when you camp. Or at least I think there is a lot of dirt when you camp.  There is in Utah! 

Wait a minute – Daisy – you’re afraid of worms? but you have an eyeball in your mocktail? Yep.  That’s right.

Haha!  doesn’t that drink look absolutely foul?  The nasty egg looking thing is a lychee and the black floaty things are passionfruit seeds.  SOOOO delicious.  It just looks like eyeballs and guts.  I think it’s my new favorite non-alcoholic beverage.  Tart, yummy, fruity and the carbonation in the Sprite makes your tongue tingle.

Ok back to like one of the worst subjects on the planet – dirt  and worms.  One time I ate a Harry Potter Jelly Belly that was flavored ‘earthworm.’  Disgusting.  I about gagged and then even after I spit it out I STILL almost threw up.  So gross.  And traumatic.

Why did I do it?  Because the guy I was sharing the Bertie Botts with said he’d eat the vomit one if I ate the earthworm one.  Yeah – he got the better end of the deal.  I’ll be haunted by that flavor FOREVER!

Anyway – I think I’ll try to go camping.  I mean – sure – Australia grows deadly gross stuff (ex: snakes or spiders) and that means they probably most likely have killer worms…   But Ben goes camping all of the time and I don’t think he’d tell me to go if he thought I’d be attacked by killer worms.  But you never know – I could be wrong.  I hear killer worms like to eat redheads in particular – and Ben did offer to accompany me … maybe he wants to FEED me to them. 

I went straight to SYTYCD from Uni and it was CRAZY FUN!!!  It’s amazing what a smile will do for you.  I  smiled, threw out a little charm and BAM we were asked to be in the “special section” up on the balcony -  sa-weet!  We didn’t even have to ask!  And now you will be able to see our lovely forms in the background of every dance this Sunday.  Oh yes.  That’s the spot to be!  My FM snuck in a camera (shh don’t tell) and I will be posting pics soon!  (as well as a video clip so you can see our sweet spot!)

And now I’m home – just looked up the full definition of “ellipsis” and have decided I ADORE this WOTD stuff!  Even made sure to include several examples of an ellipsis in this post.  These words are GREAT!!!   And now I’m going to try and stay awake to study for my final exam tomorrow – boring!

Oh and if I get deported and sent to an Australian detention “camp” for holding (still haven’t heard from uni about next semester and enrollment is Monday) I’m sooo turning in my life as a script for a lifetime movie. 

Cheers! ~Daisy

My day started out great.   Not only did I get to talk to my Ultimate BFF, Matty Matt and my Mom on the phone but I also talked to CC+4 on Skype (insert insuppressible smile ) wait – I’m in a bad mood — what’s going on?  No smiling!!! This post is about why I’m FRUSTRATED not about some boy who makes me smile… it’s time to get SERIOUS! 

Back in SLC there was a radio station (X96) that published a list of “Things that must go” every Wednesday.  Today isn’t Wednesday and I’m not in SLC but I’m making a list of “Things that must go” anyway!  These aren’t in any particular order btw.

Things That Must Go!!!

1. Potatoes that explode in my oven because I forgot to prick them.  (HAHA- it’s so funny!  It sounded like a bomb went off in my oven.  LOL!!!!) – Wait – back to being serious.
2. People who leave food in the refrigerator until months after it expires. GROSS!
3. In relation to #2 – companies who neglect to put an expiration date on their packaging.  PUT AN EXPIRATION DATE ON YOUR FOOD!
4. People who flake out at the last minute leaving ME to do their part of the assignment.
5. The University of Sydney.
6. Boys who are like twice my age and who I did NOT flirt with but who ask me out anyway. NO!!!!!
7. People who say “____ Day is unlucky because 4 years ago I had a really bad day on that day.”  Umm – so did you have any additional bad days on that particular day?  “No” Hmm … Get over it!
8. People who think it’s OK to wear lavender Hawaiian prints with turquoise zebra prints.  (See pic at right)  HAHAHA!  Just teasing – these people should NEVER stop mix-matching patterns- it provides great amusement  And hold up – yeah that’s a little mean – but  I told you I was a super villain too. 

Wow!  Do I feel better already?  No.  But I’m getting there.  HAHA!  Just teasing.  I DO feel better.  Who wouldn’t feel better after seeing that picture?  lol.  And NOW I feel like I’m ready to try the whole baked potato thing again (without an explosion.)  After that?  HOMEWORK – which sucks.  But the GOOD NEWS is that I may get deported because the Uni of Syd can’t get their act together.  Oh wait … hmm …

Ah but my favorite one…  it’s called “go get a room.”

Just teasing!!!  My favorite one is this:

HAHA!  lol.  No for REAL my fave is simply:

Oh and THANK YOU to Dave from CafeDave because he sent me a link to find popcorn in Sydney.  YAY!!!  I’m sooooo excited!!

Ooh – it’s late.  I totally should be asleep right now – I have school tomorrow.  On Saturday.  I have school on Saturday – LAME!  And double lame because it’s Valentine’s Day!  Ah well – it’ll keep me distracted from the fact that MY sweethearts (which are none other than my adorable dogs Duchess and Chloe – aw – they’re so cute!!!!) AND any potential Valentine (like CC+4, Adorable Boy or Glitter Boy) are all 8,000+ miles away.

So I’m going to sign off for the night – tomorrow I’ll have to tell you about the crazy movie I saw, the yummy popcorn I ate and maybe I’ll even tell you about the new kindred spirit I’ve discovered (would you ever have guessed it’s one of guys who used to be one of the slackers in my group at school?)  lol.

Good night!  Or maybe I should say, “Good morning!!”  xoxo ~Daisy

I have good news and bad news today.  GOOD NEWS:  The members of my group at school have stepped it up and are now officially pulling their weight.  YAY!   BAD NEWS:  The Uni of Syd did NOT get back to me about my application as promised.  BOO!

And in OTHER NEWS: I learned today that a “Sausage Sizzle” is the not-too-distant cousin of “The Barbie.”  The difference being that “The Barbie” is for steak – not sausages.  Oh and my FM’s GF informed me that kebabs are also not for “The Barbie” unless you are trying to lose masculinity points – in which case – chicken kebabs are the way to go.  Thank goodness I am clear about that now!  hmm …

Oh and I just remembered I have a confession to make.  Yep.  That’s right.  I am craving [dun dun dun] movie theater popcorn.  Say what?  Oh yes.  It’s true!  GROSS!!!  And tonight my FM, his GF and I are going to see a movie and the motivating factor for our decision wasn’t really the movie.  It is the artery clogging goodness of movie theater popcorn.  GROSS!  And this is where if I were having a conversation I would be like, “But dude – for real – it’s not that bad.  Like seriously, popcorn is like my only vice.  I don’t even eat potato chips or candy bars.  That stuff is gross.  But popcorn?  Mmmmm mmmm.”

OOH!!!   Australian trivia for you!!  AUS doesn’t do microwave popcorn.  And if you go to the popcorn section in the grocery store – wait popcorn section?  haha!  I tricked you!  There ISN’T a popcorn section.  No lie.  There’s just a little shelf, usually hidden somewhere in the middle of the chicken flavored potato chips (which is practically their only flavor) and it houses the two flavors of popcorn made in Australia.  Bland and Bland Lite.  You can forget about that yummy gourmet chocolate popcorn stuff.  Or the gourmet caramel stuff.  No no – not here.  [tear]

And here are a whole ton of pics from the first few days of the cruise.  I’ll post the second half soon.  I have an essay to write tonight – so this is all I’m posting.  I hope I don’t go crazy!  Essay writing is kind of a BIG SUCKS!  But the GOOD NEWS is I made gluten-free brownies and they were to die for – YAY!  – my flatmates are addicted to my gluten-free goodness!  lol.  Have a happy Sunday!   Mine was fantastic!

Oh and you should check out the song “1, 2, 3, 4″ by Plain White T’s.  I’m in LOVE with this song.  It’s definitely the kind to put on repeat!!!

Anyway – today I am happy to announce that I have discovered I have Extraordinary Obvious Pocket Locating Pow-ah (Power). Are you impressed?  Because you should be.  You see, as I mentioned in the linked post above, superhero powers that are a mouthful to say are better than those that are not.  And that means Extraordinary Obvious Pocket Locating Pow-ah is awesome by the title ALONE.  HOWEVER that’s not the ONLY reason why this power is so flipping sweet. No no, this power rocks because it gives me the ability to hide/store stuff – like cool superhero stuff – like lipgloss. 

Want to know how I discovered this cool power?  I found a “new” pocket on one of my skirts today and then – the VERY SAME DAY (which is still today) – I discovered that the “decorative” pocket on my super fly new hat is actually functional! Decorative AND useful. How cool is that?

So anyway – that’s my BIG news for today. Extraordinary Obvious Pocket Locating Pow-ah.  I can’t really top that.  It’s just too cool.  Oh wait – omgosh – I ALMOST forgot!  I can’t TOP that but I do have other important news.  I’ve fallen in love with lychees.  Have you ever had a lychee? (spelled “litchi” in the U.S.) YUM. I LUV them.

Ok – better start my homework. I’m the only one in my group who does the reading so I have to do 3x as much. Have a happy Friday! And please feel sorry for me as it’s going to be a scor-cha tomorrow (spelled “omgosh it’s so hot I think I’m going to die” in the U.S.) with temps close to like 1,000,000 Celsius and at least 134% humidity.  That’s hot.  So hot I won’t be able to wear my super fly new hat.  But hey – at least I’m a superhero. Do YOU have any cool superhero pow-ahs?

So this morning started out at 6:30 am, and even though the sun was already well above the horizon, it was my flatmate and his GF who were my little rays of sunshine this morning.  Aw – that’s so cheesy – but true!  We had a good laugh about D.B. from last night and my flatmate decided that I should cut D.B. from any future episodes of what he likes to call “Daisy-s of our Lives.”  No worries there!  He didn’t have a chance at a leading role anyway.

Next on the agenda – COUNTERTERRORISM AND HUMAN RIGHTS.  Doesn’t it sound absolutely thrilling?  What?  It doesn’t?  Why ever not?  You mean not everyone wants to write essays on Western Liberal Democracies and the resulting changes in their domestic terrorism policies post Sept. 11? CC+4 (who I still think is adorable) says he thinks it sounds interesting and I suppose it DOES sound interesting but my background in the University of Sydney’s Peace and Conflict department makes me VERY WARY!!! Very.

Class started at 10:00 but guess what time I arrived?  25 minutes EARLY!  Oh yeah – that’s right.  I figured a little aberration to the norm would be good to help shake things up a bit.  And NO it doesn’t matter that it was completely accidental – it still counts (thank you magic express bus that I never knew existed before today!!)   And I would appreciate it if you please do not use this example of punctuality as a frame of reference in the future. 

So my class has 9 students.  1 of them being American.  (me!)  And 2 of them being slackers.  Of the 9 students in class only 1 was 2 hours late and only 2 (including the tardy boy) didn’t read the text before class.  Guess which two boys are in my group of 3 for the rest of the semester?  I am SO lucky!  Hmm …

It’s ok.  I didn’t want to get a good grade in the class anyway.  And WOW do I sound like a very optimistic and pleasant peach today!?  lol.  For real though – the good news is that I’m actually kind of excited to read the textbook.  And wow I can’t believe I just wrote that – I think I just lost a few cool points.  Thank goodness this private diary/blog is public – now NO ONE WILL EVER KNOW what a nerd I really am … oh wait.

I was all pumped to take “Coaching in Organizations” for my summer school class.  I registered, applied for a prerequisite waiver, and waited.  Then when I never heard anything I called.  Then I called again.  And again.  And again.  I was ASSURED that the class I was SO EXCITED to take was all good and I was set to take it.  So I started doing packing preparations because I’m supposed to leave in a few days and then I thought – I better call one more time (as if the 15 trillion times before weren’t enough.)  Why did I call again?  Because nothing at the University of Sydney is ever easy and this process smelled kinda fishy.

THANK GOODNESS I CALLED AGAIN!!!!

My prerequisite waiver was NOT actually accepted.  Wait what?  But wait a minute – didn’t they say it was accepted last time I called?  It’s all good in a terribly horrible way.  I’m not surprised.  For some reason Aussie English and American English are completely incompatible and the language barrier is almost insurmountable.  ERR.

But on the bright side of the black hole (umm Daisy? Black holes don’t have any light) I am super duper lucky because now I get to take the lamest, suckiest (whatever spellcheck – underline away!  suckiest IS a word ) class EVER!!!  The class: Counterterrorism and Human Rights.  LAME!  Sooooo not what I wanted to take.  But it means I can postpone packing for a bit.

Maybe if I’m even luckier the class will be taught by another hippy anti-American convict.  And she can pick me out of the class every session like I’m in high school and ask me what I’m whispering about.  I’ll lie like I did every last session and say, “Oh sorry I just didn’t understand what was said.”  When REALLY I was whispering about “What the flip is she wearing today?  Seriously?  Two headbands that don’t match, five bangle bracelets, two shawls, one, two, three – I can’t count how many earings and oh no she didn’t – please tell me those are not white socks with those ugly black lace-up commando boots.”

Cross your fingers for me!