It has been a long time since I have been here...3 weeks of vacation, and 2 weeks settling back in.

Australia feels like 2 years ago instead of 2 weeks ago. What a great part of the world. We were only in Sydney, but it's a good city. I'd definitely recommend it. The city is beautiful - spilling over the harbour and nestled by the Blue Mountains to the west. The Opera House is as amazing in person as you would believe it to be. It is a magnificent work of architecture - whimsical, nautical, unique. There was a lights festival when we were there, and every night the OH was lit up with a different continuously evolving "painting" by Brian Eno.

I have decided I need a pet koala. I know this to be impossible, and yet, my friends, how could one not long for a pet koala? They are truly the freakin' cutest thing you have ever seen in person. OMG.

The non-meat diet has settle comfortably into the rarely-eat-meat diet. Sometimes it just cannot be helped (as in when you are at dinner over someone's house). Word to the veg: If you are traveling to Australia, be sure that you may have to eat meat. They do NOT mess around over there with their fishes and meats. There are definitely many restaurants where you do not have any other options (and if you do it is one option which is ravioli).
..........

It is interesting when you are away on vacation, and your perspective on things change. Vacation is a breath of hope, a small insight into how happy and carefree you can be. I relax, and pieces to create, projects, plans fill my mind. I think vacations begin to fill one with hope - with the promise of the future.

OH, and then you come home and realize you will work 9-5 the rest of your life so that you can have good healthcare. Bummer. For being the leader of the "free" world, this country gives you NO options if you have any health issues...even if you are healthy. Once you are diagnosed, you are not only in the medical system, but condemed to a life of 9-5.

Right...well, it's raining & been raining for most of 2 weeks...what can I say?

I am looking forward to the weekend.