January 27

Today was the second day of boot camp.  It is definitely going to be hard, but I am enjoying it.  It is a 6 week camp.  Afterwards, a new camp starts immediately that I can sign up for if I like it. 

On my way to work after the camp, I saw a man on motorcycle in a nice business suit.  I don’t see that often and tried to get a picture, but I was not quick enough.  It amused me for the day. 

Australia Day

Today is Australia Day, but I had to work since I do not have the Australian holidays off.  It was nice and quiet at work though, so I was able to get a bunch done.  Tonight I decided not to go out and just relax since I am a bit sore from boot camp yesterday.  While I was getting ready for bed, it suddenly sounded like I was in the middle of a war zone.  I tried looking out the window and did not see anything, so I went out on my terrace.  I was then able to see fireworks around the apartment building.  The park across the street was setting off fireworks (and not small ones) that I could just barely see on my right.  The Eureka tower to my left also had fireworks being set off from the top of it.  I ran back inside and grabbed my camera to take a couple of pictures.  They are not very good, but give an idea of what I was seeing.  It was a pretty cool experience. 

 

Since it didn’t really feel like a holiday to me, it did not occur to me that there would be fireworks, like we have for our Independence Day.  If I had known, I would not have been in my pajamas and would have gone out to the front of the building where there was no doubt, a better view.  Oh well.  At least I was able to see a partial show. 

January 25

One of my new year’s resolutions this year, as it is every year, is to get in shape and lose weight.  So, I decided to sign up for a boot camp.  This one is called Booty Camp and is only for women.  I did not want to do one of the military styles of boot camps, so I thought this would be a good alternative.  It is in the park across the street from my apartment, so it only takes a few minutes to walk there.  I am hoping that will limit me from making excuses not to go.  It is early morning before work a couple days a week.  Fortunately my work is flexible and is allowing me to change my schedule for two days a week. 

Today was the first day of the boot camp.  The first half we did the fitness assessment and the second half worked on legs and core.  I am not sore yet, but I am sure I will be the day after tomorrow.  So far, it looks like I am going to enjoy the camp.  The instructor turned out to be an American, which surprised me.  We chatted for a little while after class.  I think her personality is going to be a good fit for me in the class and she will be a good person to talk to. 

New Year's Day

Well, I am on my way back to Australia.  I had a 6 AM flight this morning, so I was not able to go out for New Year’s Eve; however I did stay up with my family to watch the ball drop on TV.  Then I got to keep myself busy during a 12 hour layover in San Francisco.  I have been there several times in the past and done all the touristy things, so I decided to stay at the airport and work on the homework I have for an online class I am taking and far behind in.  Now I am back in Auckland for a much shorter layover than last time.  I just watched the sunrise, which was a nice experience.  When I get back to Melbourne, I’m just going to relax.

Home for the Holidays

It is great being home for holidays.  I am enjoying visiting with family and friends.  Since I had to miss out on decorations in my apartment, I couldn’t resist taking pictures of my parents’ trees as a substitute.

 

It is hard getting used to the cold when coming from summer.  I took some pictures at my Dad’s land to show the snow.  There is not as much as other areas, but it is still pretty cold.  It has been a while since I have been in this cold of weather since last winter I was in the South and it was not that cold. 

 

I thought this truck was cute with the Rudolph nose.

Holiday Travel

I am heading back to the States for the holidays.  It is a long journey, but it will be great to get there.  I ended up getting to airport 3 hours before my flight and am glad I did so.  I found out during check-in that I was not able to pay for my overweight bag there at the counter.  I had to go down to the Domestic terminal to the Qantas counter, pay for the bag, then return to the Air New Zealand counter to get my tickets.  Fortunately, I was able to get a window seat though.  That was the main reason I checked in so early, but it worked out well for everything.   I have a 6 hour layover in Auckland, NZ which is where I am now.  All I will get to see here is out the windows in the airport.  I then have two more layovers – LA and Phoenix – before I arrive home. 

Christmas Decor

I usually put up quite a few decorations for Christmas, but did not bring anything with me to Australia for this year.  I do not want to buy a bunch of decorations, but I had to put up something.  It isn’t much, but at least I have a tree. :)

 

I am halfway considering decorating my car like this guy did.