The great Barrier Reef

Schools out and my pal Lana is here visiting, so....... I went on vacation. First stop was Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. We arrived in Cairns during stinger season (the infamous box jellyfish and some other pesky/painful little buggers), so swimming is only available out in the middle of the ocean (which made the fish in me a little grumpy). So, we hopped on a dive boat and were escorted out to two beautiful reefs (unfortunately I can't remember the names, I think one was called broken reef). Lana and I took advantage of every minute at the reef and came back to the boat a bit pruney. Here are some photos.

This photo is side ways, but you get the idea.
Little fishy

The only time we were out of the water.

Another little fishy.

The Giant Clam! Getting too close to this clam is frightening.

Yes, the little fishy likes to be photographed underwater. Maybe the only place she likes to be photographed:)

Exploring terra amata

The fish face stuck after being shaped by a snorkel and mask. Don't worry, it has returned to normal. More adventures coming up (it takes forever to upload photos). Have a merry holiday and a fantastic new year!

my little gavino

My nephew Gavin got a new pool and new teeth. I got a new camera and a couple of photos. What a perfect afternoon!

This one is my favourite!

I got a thumbs up from Gavin on this shot. The other day my mom and I taught him how to snap his fingers. He's smart as a whip that Gav-o and has the funniest personality.

November- My 28th Year

Just a note: This entry starts from the most recent events to previous events that have occurred throughout the month of November.

I love the month of November.  Here are some reasons why:

1. It's my birthday (yes, I don't mind getting older, bring on my late 20s)

2. About 20 other people I know have birthdays in this month (and I'd rather celebrate them than celebrate mine).

3. The seasons are changing(usually it means santa ana winds, fun surf, pumpkin pie which is my favourite, and tons of family, but this year it means warmer weather, some surf and graduating from school with a teaching credential-my mom told me to mention that:))

4. It means that Christmas is almost here, followed by the new year (which means a new beginning).

5. Lots of food, I love food (pumpkin pie especially).

6. Lots of friends and family around (this year I am blessed to have my buddy Lana out in Australia for a visit, more adventure photos to follow and entice you to book your ticket over here).

Here are some photos of my favourite month of the year (as mentioned before, they start from newest and go back to older shots).  Enjoy!

It takes a lot of patience to capture lightning. Luck was on my side. But why are there three 9's in the middle of the picture, bizarre (or maybe they are just upside-down 6's, yikes).  This photo was taken after I barely escaped from my soccer game unscathed from the surrounding lightning.  It looked like the world was about to end.  Did you all know that when it rains here, it pours.  Not like California's drizzle.

My roommates gave me the most beautiful pink waratah flower.  I think it is my new favourite flower.  So...I took some pictures of it.  No it doesn't grow on this tree, I was just trying to be artistic.

Me posing with my birthday flower. I look like I am a bridesmaid.  What a goof ball. 

I've been lucky to know these two girls for the past 8 plus years, who knew I would finally be neighbours with them.  This was my pre-birthday dinner.  I can't believe how much I look like my mom in this photo.    

Alberto (a friend on my indoor soccer team who is married to a friend on my outdoor team, in case you were thinking otherwise) shares the same birthday month as me, so...he made a paella (he is from Spain, yay someone to speak spanish with) with rabbit in it.  uh... I ate the vegetarian version:)

This is the view from the hillside near my house in Byron Bay.  It looked so much more amazing in person, but I think this is a pretty great indication of the beauty surrounding my home (and hopefully it makes you want to come visit me)

The beaches near my parents house in Australia.  

I hope that you are all happy and well.  They don't celebrate Thanksgiving here, but that only means that I must remember to be thankful every day of the year.  I miss you all and hope you have a wonderful holiday season.  I feel so blessed to have all of you in my life wherever the world has taken you!!!   Until next month.....

happy days in byron bay

Some of the things that are big in my life right now:

1. It hailed the other day. As you can see from the following photo, it literally hailed golf balls. And this photo was taking several hours after the storm hit. Two of my roommates cars were severely damaged, along with 75% of the residents of Byron Bay. Reportedly, there were tennis ball size hail drops (if thats what you would call them) near my parents house in Coff's Harbour.

2. I have just started to become involved in a bit of volunteer work (only in the beginning stages, I hope it leads to some work in an orphanage in Kenya) for an association called African l.e.a.f., which is an amazing association that sponsors orphaned children in Kenya. An Afro-cuban band calle Chukale came out and played at a local venue while my friends and I sold raffle tickets. The band played for free, but we cornered everyone as they walked through the door so that they would donate $2 to the cause. We all snuck away from the raffle ticketing and got our fill of afrocuban dancing. Here we are showing off the fantastic prizes.

3. Mr. T himself has become the security guard at my house. Do I really need a fourth male roommate to watch over me? So I guess you don't need to worry about me, I am safe. I pity the fool who tries to get past a man geared up with snickers bars. 4. My good friend Robyn turned 34. I loved celebrating her day. Lots of good laughs. The day began by paddling out into shark infested waters (complete with a visit from the surf rescue boat and a search helicopter warning us of the sighting of two large sharks), walking into a field of bindies (thorn like blades of grass that can bring you to tears), and many other ridiculous things kept me entertained.
I just have to point out how much concentration has been put into racking up the pool balls. Can anyone pick up what is wrong with this picture. No, it has nothing to do with Robyn trying to distract Fiona.
We must get them just right since we don't have a triangle to help us out.
Even Robyn has stopped mucking around to help Fiona organise the pool balls. This all took about five minutes to complete (which explains why there are so many pictures showing the evidence, classic). Maybe you missed it too...The triangle is facing the wrong direction.

I made the mistake of telling the girls that, as a kid, our living room didn't have a couch, but a pool table. Here I am showing off the technique that was perfected in a couchless living room. Thanks dad.

When i grow up...

Last week I borrowed my friends camera and set off to unleash (or simply find) my creative side. I have been pretty busy with my student teaching, so the following photos are a result of my 15 minutes of creativity (and are all taken at my house). As hard as it is for me to sit still, I am really thinking about reading a book on photography. I am open to any suggestions that anyone has, since I have come to realize that 99% of the people I know are brilliant artists, photographers, musicians, etc. Hope this message finds you happy and well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Getting ready for thanksgiving

It is spring here, and I just found this flower in my backyard.  Just waiting for the plumeria trees to blossom.  I'll send photos when it happens.

The sunrise yesterday morning at my favorite surf spot.  No waves, but absolutely breathtaking skyline.

This morning out in front of my house.  Again, no waves, but a beautiful sky.

My house in Byron bay.  See the plumeria trees?! Can't wait for the flowers (You know you are getting old when you are anticipating flowers blossoming).

Some friends from school (lismore, which is an hour from my house) came to Byron bay for a fun evening out on the town.  I was the grandmother as always, checking out before midnight.  But I did have a few drinks, I have provided evidence (below) just for those of you that don't believe me:)  

It's almost turkey time, I have had my eye on this wild turkey.  You might see some photos of me chasing it soon.