That's A Wrap, Australia!

     Well, it's been one hell of a ride, and for the most part, I'd say it was worth it. I've learned a lot here, one of the most important being: I am very privileged and proud to be an American. Second, those random people you never expected to meet in your life that you boarded with in college? News flash, they are NOT the worst roommates in the world. Trust me, there is always another human being out there that knows how to prick your nerves worse than the person who already is. Hint: You share at LEAST a quarter of your DNA with them...give up?

This isn't even an Australian sunset, why'd I put it here? Because it's GORGEOUS!! Bali is HEAVEN!

     One of the happiest moments of all was when I started my internship at Expense Check! I found purpose for being in Australia. I'm eternally grateful for the experiences I had and what I learned working with them. The BEST times I had are with my Australian family that I learned to love and know. Seriously, they all saved my sanity swooping me under their wing as their sister.

Night Queen Vic Markets were the BEST!

     I must not forget that being able to go to the Melbourne temple was a very sweet experience. It was very nice to find home with the Spirit in this strange land.

This photo needs no caption, only one word. Home.

     There have been highs and lows, and some curves (think of Australia as the little sister that doesn't want to grow up) but all in all, Australia was a good choice.

The best dinner I've had yet! Pasta Bombay at Lazy's Moes. Seriously, the largest serving of pasta I've ever seen in my life! The catch? They don't do take-away boxes! What??

Australia, may you always look up to your big sister, America. We'll be rooting for you.

This was the coolest thing I saw going on down by North Melbourne Central station. Avengers unite!

Oh, and as a parting gift, Henry gave me his cold.

And that's the way it is, folks.

Jess

From Meh to Paradise and Back Again

Don't get me wrong, it's been quite the ride being here in Australia, and I've had a BLAST with these internships. I ain't going to lie though, Bali tops the cake! Who knew going to a third-world country could be so incredible!!

Before I left I told the CEO of Expense Check that I'd be gone for a week, and that I'd be happy to keep in touch for whenever needed. To which he responded, "Ppppsssht! No, you go ahead and enjoy Bali!" Rather generous reply, I thought. It wasn't until I got out of the airport that I understood exactly why!

While waiting in the front of the terminal, a good 15 meters from the front doors and I could already feel the humidity hitting me! So, I knew it was warm, definitely, but I wasn't not prepared for the SIGHT of this place! Green EVERYWHERE! I was in heaven! After our two hour drive to the villa we'd be staying in I began to be emotional at the beauty of the place! It was nearly a palace, and thanks to the awesome connections my mom has made through Zumba, we were offered to stay there for FREE!! No way...YES WAY!!

All meals were home-cooked, or hostess ate with us every morning and evening, and she was absolutely delightful! All the rooms had a balcony with an amazing view of the surrounding jungle, and a freshwater pool just outside? Yes, please!

"Semi-free" range monkey park (really they were everywhere) was so fun! I saw the most adorable baby monkeys clinging to the mothers, and so many more playing with each other! I walked out without a scratch. Wow, no injuries to report for that adventure...do I sense a change in the wind? Hmmmm...that's new.

That? Oh that's just a our very own freshwater pool.
No Big Deal.

Believe it or not, I had fun bargaining at the markets. Some of those people are so silly desperate to make a sale that if you're about to walk out of it they'll give you your first bargain! Or "Special price. Just for you," as they put it. It especially became easier when I got my own stash of cash, which only happened after I'd realized I tried at three different ATMs (three, people) to get cash using my credit card!! I felt like a little fool, but I had my moolah nonetheless.

Beaches so hot the water is actually WARM. It's no joke. No more of this, "It's not as cold as it usually is," deal. It's seriously warm! There were smaller pool at Kuta beach that were frying crabs for fun! Black sand beaches...can't beat that. ;)

Can you hear that? CRASH!!!

The only thing cooler than that was riding, feeding, and petting elephants! That's right. I rode on top of the largest land mammal in the world. Incredible!

Wood carvers, Batik, natural hot springs, Hindi temples and Barong & Legong dances...and the food was delicious! I told my mom, "You might have to leave me here."

Gorgeous temple inside Cafe Lotus!

Alas, I had to return. Still, the week was incredible. I must return, my second home must be Bali!

She decided to smile for the shot! :)

I just...can't...too much Adorableness!!

But guess what? Less than three weeks 'til I come home! I'm SO TOTALLY ready to come home, but still nervous at the same time, because I'm coming back to a new apartment and...no...job. What? How am I going to pay rent? I don't know... As soon as I figure out where to get a new job, I'll start eating again. How's that sound? Great plan, right.

Over and out y'all. See you soon.

Jess

Don't you just feel like jumping in???

No words. I have no words!

A Battle Between Father and Son...Someone grab the popcorn.

As a journalist, I find myself taking in scenes in my life and thinking of how I might give them a good intro...  

     Tonight, Dad found his authority as the patriarch of the house being challenged by (duh, Duh, DUH!)...the baby. Dinner was about to start, which means blessing the food. Henry thought it had been previously agreed upon (due to the aftermath of a over-dramatic tantrum performance) that HE would pick out who he wanted to say the prayer, dad would agree, and all would be well. Sadly, however, this fantasy of Henry's is not his living reality, as he had hoped.
     Henry wanted Dad to say the prayer, but Dad wanted Millie to grace the deliciously-prepared food we would soon harbor in our bellies. When Dad insisted that he was okay giving Millie the privilege, let's just say that didn't rev Henry's respiratory engines the right way. Screaming, crying, and gnashing of teeth ensued as Millie began to speak her humble respects. The pitiful creature was escorted to his chambers to take a chill pill.

     While the seven pieces of nine enjoyed a scrumptious Mexican dish prepared by the nurturer of the home, Mama bear herself was trying her best to settle Henry down. Later a tear-stained, rosy-cheeked toddler came back out and said, "I'm sorry for screaming, can we say another prayer?" Yes, another plea to the heavens was given as he requested. Dad even agreed to say it this time. How sweet of him.

     Family Home Evening assembled shortly there after. We are, once again, venturing out of Point Cook on a little getaway inside of our #ParcellWorldTour. Everything from dominos the size of houses (okay, not really, but seriously) to go-karting and hanging (no pun intended) with some wedge-tailed eagles.

"Wedge-tailed eagles would eat bald eagles if they found one," Dad said.

     Wedge-tailed eagles eat the symbol of all America stands for for breakfast...wonderful.
Oh, Mom said we are planning our own seven out of the nine meals. We're NOT eating out every meal. Leo suggested that we make sure to eat white bread.

     The big girls are planning to go to the evening Victoria Market on Wednesday.We are? I mean, WE ARE!! Mom remarked that the evening Vic Market only happens on Wednesdays, because it's just a bunch of food. Jordan became flustered in amazement at Mom's tone of voice towards the idea of hosting an event solely featuring edible sustenance.

"It's JUST food??"

Millie wanted to come too, but Mom decided it would not the best picture.

"Because of school, and the age gap, and...we range from two-years-old to 23 to...*motioning at her and Dad* we're not going to talk about it...," Mom stated with ultimate firmness.

     It is planned that this should trip be a blast, however, should one of us die if something doesn't go as planned Mom assures we'll all make the best of it. She did so by reminiscing on a very peculiar Christmas traveling experience some odd years ago. It almost seemed irrelevant. We'll be fine, I'm sure.

     The right person needs to say the dinner prayer and everyone needs to kneel in a complete circle every night, that's all...

And that's the way it is folks.

Jess