The Land of OZ... aka The Gold Coast... aka my new home??? I think so...

I didn't think I would say this yet, but the Gold Coast has become my home. I know "they say" that everyone goes through the stages of culture shock when they enter a new country and culture; (1) Excitement: this occurs when you love the country and uniqueness of the new country and feels like they're vacationing or "honeymooning." (2) Withdrawal: the people and culture are confusing and unpredictable so the person withdraws and becomes anxious. (3) Adjustment: acceptance and understanding the culture and ways, as well as getting into a routine. (4) Enthusiasm: When the person feels as if they're at "home."
I have experienced all of these (not in this order though) and many times some phases will creep back for a bit, but it's all part of the process and I love that. I had a conversation with an Aussie about how some people are content staying within their comfort zones once they've found it. I respect their decisions, although I don't agree with them. There's too much to learn, too much to see, too much to experience in this world and life to just not challenge yourself every day you wake up.
Sometimes we get caught up in the chaos of our own lives and internally closed environments, and we don't break out to "tri" new things. I'm not saying every person, every day should go out and meet random people and just travel the world and be a nomad. There needs to be balance and family, stability, and comfort go on the other side of the scale. But at the same time there's so much to give back. If each person contributed a tiny bit of their own personality to their closed environment around them or even branched out, what would that do? Spark anothers interest and inspire them? I'm sure. Challenge another to think outside what they know? Hear others opinions? I'm really happy for my mother because she's always been involved with people and volunteering (as well as her life with raising us 7 wackos/kids). But she's a doula now, who is someone who trains to be with women for support while they give birth. The idea was put into her mind when my sister Kristen gave birth to her second child. Her and Mike allowed my mom and I to go in during the birth and we held her hand, legs, and I held the video camera at some points ;) Regardless, it was powerful and one of the most beautiful things a person will EVER experience. This then sparked my mom's interest to seek out a position at the local hospital where she currently keeps up with being a doula :)
On another note, I love a good dispute. Because it usually results in me thinking, "Ah that's interesting. I never thought of it like that..." Whether or not I agree with what was said is irrelevant because it doesn't matter. Notice I said GOOD dispute. There's no need to have a conversation with someone and get frustrated just because they see life differently. It's their right and you may try to enlighten them and they may change their mind or they may not. But either way, it's a great way to learn/a great way to actively engage your mind.
Australia has pushed me out of my comfort zone and my withdrawal stage lasted for about a day and then it was done pretty much. I tend to be more realistic and less emotional when I go away or travel now. I didn't used to be like that. I credit Ethan for it and although I would never want to be like that all the time, it's a protective mechanism that has allowed me to fly half way around the world and not even think twice about it.
I miss my family more than I can say. I was suppossed to "see" my niece today on skype and was really upset when I found out my sister had left. I don't know why, but the hardest part of being away from my family is not seeing my two nieces and nephew. I miss my grandparents, parents, siblings, friends, but it's Zoe, Hailey, and Dylan that I find myself thinking on often. They grow so fast and I feel like I'm missing out on pure memories. Especially seeing Joe, Tammy, and Zoe this summer makes me miss them even more. I saw Jay and Jess (Riv, Ily, and Theo) a lot this summer because I was over with him at his house and they came to the lake often. Jenn came from Washington and it had been ages since I saw her. Hung out daily and sang, laughed, yelled, ... ... , ... ... ... :) and became closer because of our time together. I hadn't seen my brother John since Christmas I think and he's doing some awesome stuff out in Cali with comouter animation. I've found I jive with him in the realistic, travel, and experience sense of our lives, which I've begun to truly appreciate. I got to see Kristen, Mike, Hailey and Dylan for a week here and there all summer and we had some GOOD times :) And Emmy and I were roomies at the lake, which I don't know if we've been roomies since we like 10????? :) My baby girl grew up soooo fast. She's a young woman out on her own now and it's REALLY weird to think about. But she's got a damn good head on her shoulders and can hold her own :)
Incase y'all didn't know. Those are ALL my siblings. And we are a kick ass squad together...