18.03.2004

So here I am in Sunny Australia.

First of all i would just like to say a great big thank you to everyone for all my lovely cards and pressies. Saturday was absolutely brilliant and i couln't have asked for anything better - am still very impressed (or should that be shocked) with myself for not getting as pissed as a newt for a change!!

Well since Monday has all been a bit of a rollercoaster of events and emotions. Finally managed to get packed on Monday and went to the airport with mum, dad and Sal - when I got there Paul was there as well (moaning about parking charges from the offset!!) and Phil turned up as well so was a lovely suprise. Went to check in to discover not only was i going to have to sit in betweeen what was bound to be two fat smelly b*stards but also that if i kept my luggage as it was it was going to cost an extra 245 quid - so as I randomly pulled things out of my suitcase the crying began and i began to wonder what the hell i was doing. But with the help of mum and phil managed to get my suitcase down to the correct weight (and alas keep my hairdryer!) and went through to departures. Was very happy to discover when i boarded the plane that my seat had been changed and i had an empty seat next to me (thank you Tony and Charlotte - i believe this was down to you and REALLY appreciated). The flight was ok and after a quick fag break at Bangkok managed to get through the next stint.

Arrived at Sydney just before 7am and have to admit felt completely overwhelmed - was already feeling very warm and had no idea as to where to go so after a couple of fags, tears and text messages i got a taxi to my new home. Alex as you can imagine was well impressed at being woken up at such a beautiful time of the morning and showed me round my new place. Mine and Alexs rooms are both on the top floor - room is nice, single bed, cupboard, desk, wardrobe, fridge, tv (havent watched neighbours yet but if i type quickly shall see my first installment tonight!) and sink although unfortunately has not been plumbed in yet so not really much use at present!!!!

After a quick snooze (well 5 hours!) caught a bus to circular quay and stood having a beer infron t of the Opera House looking out to Harbour bridge, kept feeling like i was in Cold Feet ). It was absolutely stunning and am really looking forward to going on the ferry which I think i shall definately do in the next couple of days. Went back home and after watching some shocking tv went to sleep.

Woke up ridiculously early this morning and have to admit was very tearful but after lots of encouraging text messages from Phil (thank u poppet!) managed to get a grip and go exploring round the local area. Went to local "mall" and did a bit of shopping although still a tad tricky with food as my landlady has forgotten to leave me and crockery of any description. Found a hardware store to get my plug adaptor ( a girl always feels better to know that she can now charge her phone and use her hair dryer!!) the lady in the shop was lovely and chatted to her for a while before wandering back. After trying to cool off for a bit back home i have now come to explore the other end of the area and as you have guessed found an internet cafe - my first time ever in one - god am so grown up now!!

So thats about it really peeps, planning on chilling out tonight as Alex is going out and am still feeling a bit jet lagged - is really strange how it makes you feel, keep getting dizzy - but then again this may be due to hot weather and lack of chocolate - who knows!! Hope you are all ok and missing me lots!!! Have a lovely day at work - tee hee. Don't forget to fill me in on all the goss.
Loads of Love Ceej xxxxxx .