Adventerous....

So yesterday I decided that I was going to finally get on a bus and figure out a route. I have been procrastinating pretty much since I got here. Yesterday I procrastinated a little more and ended up not going anywhere. I did however get a lot accomplished yesterday with finishing up some work and applying for some positions.
So today I went on my adventure. My main encouragement was Starbucks but also Chocolate Boulevard (a specialty store with real American treats). I walked to the nearest bus stop (about 20 minute walk) and got onto a bus. Brisbane has like 500 brand new buses, but I got on one of the only dinosaurs left on the road. It wasn't that bad until one guy got on the bus and sat in front of me...I have noticed a trend here in Australia of people not investing in deodorant...or soap...or personal hygiene or perfume/cologne or something! Luckily we were close to the end of the route. The bus stop was in the mall, which was very convenient and not as confusing as I thought it would be. i was also lucky that I didn't have to transfer to another bus; it was pretty much a straight shot to the mall.
This particular mall is downtown and the only place (or VERY few) that has a Starbucks. I was craving my usual grande caramel white chocolate mocha and to my DISMAY it wasn't listed on the menu (nor were half of the drinks you would normally see). So I opted for the backup of Caramel Macchiato. I figure its the same concept and just add white chocolate. Nope...I like sugar and not much on the taste of coffee...this drink was coffee. Still had that Starbucks "flavor" but did nothing to quench my craving. I sugared it up nonetheless and drank it up.
Chocolate Boulevard was pretty cool. It is basically this very small candy boutique with candies from all over the world. It had wall of jelly belly's (which i refused to pay $50/kg) and authentic American candy...Hershey bars, Hershey syrup, milk duds, willy wonka and sodas like cherry Pepsi, mountain dew and Dr pepper. I ended up walking out without buying anything because I figure that is what good friends are for---care packages!! Its weird going to movies WITHOUT Milk Duds, that is like staple movie food, and the cinema popcorn is lacking in flavor, butter and salt. I would happy with a rental, milk duds and some buttery microwave popcorn. I haven't found anything like Hershey syrup....does anything quite compare?
The store made me miss "home" and struggle with being away from it. I thought Illinois was miserable without blue ice cream, now I have Australia without GOOD ice cream. I swear everything tastes funny. You would think that I would be swearing it all off, but no, i force it down. I guess I am really proving to myself the measures I will go to in order to stay fat! Even Coke has a diet-like aftertaste. Will I ever learn?
I did however find some pretty tasty "pickles"--or rather dill cucumbers...terminology! I also found some whip cream that is pretty similar to Redi-whip. I am still trying my hand at creative recipes. I am starting to run out of ideas.
We have paper thin walls. Next door we have toddler, baby and non-stop barking dog. Its one of those things you don't notice until someone points it out and then it aggravates the crap out of you. I am tempted to look for new house or strangle the dog. I hope that it doesn't teach Etta and Sadie bad habits when they get here. I really miss my girls...93 more days till they are home with us. 60 days till they leave US. Etta is getting fat...she needs to lose weight...like mother like daughter. i think its just anxiety because she misses me so much!! I think I'll use that excuse too!
School starts in 34 days ( I got this thing for countdowns). I am excited. I think everything is in order to start smoothly and on time. I am still waiting for financial aid to go through, and crossing my fingers...without it I am not sure what we will do.
Well I cant think of anything else to write about. My brain just went numb.

Love you all!
Chrissi