Elsja Down Under

Please Vote October 11, 2010

My brother-in-law Paul entered a contest to be the Australian voice for TomTom. It literally takes 3 seconds to vote and the best part is, they don’t require that you sign up or regsiter for anything. So, you don’t need to worry about spam!!

CLICK TO VOTE

You can vote once a day and he needs all the help he can get to catch up to some of the people who entered before him. If you feel so inclined, please share this with all your friends and family. I’m sure Paul would greatly appreciate it!!

My Beautiful Shower August 12, 2010

I have some of the most amazing friends! Last weekend I was truly spoiled at my bridal shower. They did such an amazing job on the design… seriously- why can’t Jen and I go into a party planning business together? A few months ago I didn’t even want a shower. I was in a funk because I wasn’t going to be able travel home in May like I had planned. I thought a shower 3 weeks before a wedding was a bit silly, but everyone said “you HAVE to have a shower.” Then I realized Jen did hers that way as well and it was totally fun. I am SO glad I ended up having one. It was beautiful, fun and delicious. The amazing Alexis cooked up a fancy feast of yummy food and the crepe cake was fabulous. The cake ball or “love pop” favors were heavenly. The sangria?? Well, seeing as how they used my recipe, I HAD to think it was delicious, right? I’m so thankful that my friends and family were willing and able to come celebrate my upcoming wedding with me. I had such a nice day!

Thanks again to everyone who played a part in my AMAZING shower!! For more beautiful photos, CLICK HERE.

Woah Baby May 9, 2010

I think when you’re in a serious relationship, you tend to wonder what your future children will look like. Ok, maybe that’s only me- I’m sure Andrew NEVER thinks about that. I always worry that our kids will be hideous little snots or they will each pick up our worst traits and end up quite ugly. So Imagine how interested I became when I realized I actually could find out how cute our future brats will be. After reading Daisy’s hilarious post about how her boyfriend so kindly morphed her with a dog to see what “their” children would look like, of COURSE I would have to try this out for myself (minus the dog photo).

I tried it with a few different pictures and got a few different outcomes. So without further ado, meet our children (please note, there are 3 here but there will not be 3 children popping out of this uterus unless I unluckily become a breeder of twins the second time around).

Not sure what’s going on with the hair on this one… but she (yes she) is pretty damn cute. I think this one looks like me when I was little.

This one has some creepy glossy eyes but she’s pretty cute as well.

This kid is probably my least favorite- there’s something weird about his mouth, but I suppose he’s not ugly.

I guess according to weird internet morphing sites, our kids won’t be half bad after all.

Time Travel July 6, 2009

I completely skipped the 4th of July this year. I left LA on the 3rd and didn’t arrive in Sydney until July 5th. The 4th just did not exist for me. Do you want to know how I missed the 4th? Apart from crossing the International Dateline over the pacific, I think it also had something to do with the fact that I was traveling in a space ship.

I swear, the silver space pod looking seats in the WONDERFUL new A380 business class were so cool and high tech that it didn’t even feel like I was on an airplane. There was a massager on the chair, and the head rest was super cushy and cozy and check out how much room is between each seat!! The TVs were ginormous touch screens, the lights in the morning come on slowly- getting brighter and brighter over time – just like the sun. This is definitely a nice way to travel!

This is what I looked like for about 8 of the 14.5 hours of flying:

Bowling Skills June 20, 2009

Wii bowling has totally improved my real bowling skills. I know this post is a little delayed but last week when Andrew, my sisters, their husbands and I went to Strike bowling bar in Tustin. In a game with 6 participants… I WON! I couldn’t believe it. It’s one thing to beat 1 person, or 2… but to beat all 5- INCLUDING Andrew who beats me at EVERYTHING… annnnd Trevor who usually is right up there with Andrew on bowling skills. Icouldn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it!

Then we started a second game and I started throwing gutter balls right away.

My win was a total fluke, but a fluke that will be rememberd and cherished in my memory forever.

Airports June 17, 2009

Airports used to be exciting places. Going to an airport meant you were going somewhere cool or picking up loved ones who were coming to visit! Now 90% of the time, airports are filled with goodbyes for me. I’m almost always saying goodbye to someone. When I flew here I had to say adios to Andrew thinking I wouldn’t see him for 3 weeks.  Then he ended up making it out here which was awesome, but tonight I just had to drop him off and say goodbye again for another 2 weeks.  I also had to say goodbye to my sister and her family from Texas tonight since they’ll be heading off to the airport tomorrow. And then in 2 weeks I’ll have to say goodbye to my friends and family once more when I head back to Australia. Seriously, there aren’t too many happy trips to the airport these days. Even when I’m really excited to see one person (or group of people) I’m always having to say goodbye to someone else I love in the process.

I don’t like goodbyes. I’ve had WAY too many of them in my lifetime (well,  really in the last 3.5 years), but I guess that’s what happens when you are in a long distance relationship forever and then move all the way across the world.

Birthdays and Earth Days April 21, 2009

First of all, happy happy birthday to my dad

Secondly… Happy Earth Day for tomorrow. I really don’t celebrate Darth Day. How does one celebrate anyways? Pick up trash/rubbish? Plant a tree? I do think we planted trees when I was a kid in elemenatry school. Maybe I should learn to be more earthy… but until I do, let’s just celebrate with some funnies, shall we?

 

 

 

 

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Happy Birthday Tootse! March 19, 2009

I want to say a special happy birthday to my precious little 6 year old niece, Emma. I miss her beautiful little face, her amazing intelligence and her spunky attitude! I can’t believe she is so old

Saying Goodbye March 17, 2009

I had to say goodbye to my parents today I am lucky that they did stay an extra few days (they were originally supposed to leave Friday) but it’s still hard to say goodbye. The place feels so empty without their bags and clothes and stuff. We had such an amazing time with them here! In addition to the stuff I already posted about- here are some more great things we were able to do while they were here…

• We went to the markets at the Rocks and Andrew’s dad and sister came with!
• We all went to Manly for lunch and to show them where Andrew and I first met.
• Mom & dad went for a walk around Watson’s Bay to see the oldest lighthouse in Australia while I worked (thanks Daisy and MC for the suggestions)! Now I really want to go on this walk with Andrew. My mom literally said it was one of the most beautiful places she’s ever been!
• I took them to Centrepoint tower for an overpriced (but yummy) cocktail.
• Mom & dad visited the Sydney museum (they weren’t impressed) and they Hyde Park Barracks (they were impressed).
• We all went to breakfast at Balmoral beach with Paul and Veronica!
• Mom & Dad went on a dinner cruise around the Harbour while Andrew and I were out at pre-planned parties on Saturday night. They said it was great!
• We went on a walk and took them to middle head to show them all the old navy stuff.
• Andrew and I took my mom to an early “mother’s day tea” (since we took my dad on the bridge climb for a bday/father’s day gift). It was at Gunners Barracks and it was really nice! They even “refilled” the sandwiches for free and the views were great. The weather was beautiful and calm.

I really don’t think we could have packed too much more into the 2 weeks they were here. Well, maybe not without passing out from exhaustion. Having them here made me realize just how much there is to do in this city! There is so much that I just don’t do! LIke taking a ferry to cicular quay… it’s so easy and it’s a beautiful ride. WHY don’t I do this more? I moved here and haven’t even taken advantage of all the things this place has to offer. It’s actually pretty sad

Anyways… we had a wonderful time and I was really sad to see them go. They must be somewhere over the Pacific (a little past Hawaii) right about now. Hopefully they’ve had a good flight.

We have over 200 pictures and since my internet is so slow, I decided to just upload 60 of them for now. I’m sure I’ll upload more at a later time. Here are a small sample for anyone who is interested.

Week in Revew March 9, 2009

We’ve had a great first week with my parents! We’ve managed to stay pretty busy with just a few days of relaxation here and there which is always good.

After a day at Darling Harbour and Wildlife World we relaxed a bit and then got geared up for the Bridge Climb. This was a surprise for my dad and it turned out to be a good one since one of the first things he noticed as he drove in were the people climbing the bridge. He had no idea you could do that- but of course he quickly became interested. I knew my mom would want nothing to do with climbing the bridge- she’s afraid of heights. While they market the climb as good for overcoming your fears- I just don’t think my mom really has any desire to overcome her fears on this particular vacation. The climb was a lot easier than I expected. The incline is so slight that it wasn’t tough at all. I have no fear of heights so the “looking 400 feet down” didn’t bother me. I used to have a fear of bridges though… clearly that is no longer a problem. It was a great experience… and it means I get to cross off  number 37 from my 101 list (again). I’ve already crossed it off because it states “Do the Harbour Bridge climb or at least walk across it”- well, now I’ve done both!

On Friday my parents had breakfast at Pancakes on the Rocks and enjoyed a day riding around on one of those big red busses that takes people all around the city. They could hop on and off whenever they wanted so they were able to see the Opera House, the Botanical Gardens and a few other touristy places. 

Saturday mom, dad and I ventured out to Paddy’s markets near Chinatown. I had never been there so it was a first for me as well. After about 5 minutes I could tell my dad was miserable. I guess the whole “shopping for souvenirs” gene is just missing from all males. We stayed for about an hour and then found somewhere to eat lunch which was not easy. Food courts in Chinatown mainly consist of some bad Chinese food and gross looking ocean variety fast-food…I think I’ll pass on the Salmonella today thanks! So to avoid more shopping misery, my dad took off to go jump on that red bus again and my mom and I continued at Paddy’s. I must say- if you want cheap souvenirs- that is definitely the place to go!! Evidently, it’s also the place to go if you want wigs, trashy underwear and slutty costumes *making mental note*.

Saturday night we all met Andrew’s dad in the city and had a great dinner at Wagamama and then grabbed a coffee at a place in King Street Wharf!

Sunday we drove to Andrew’s dad’s for tea and scones…yum…and my parents got to meet the rest of Andrew’s family. We then headed over to his Mum’s to enjoy a wonderful BBQ lunch/dinner with the family.

Monday we cleaned. I’m sure that was the highlight of the whole trip so far!

Or maybe the highlight has been feeding the birdies every day and then watching them go make out. Yes, you read that right! Birdies go into the tree to make out sometimes and my dad nicely pointed this out to me (thanks). I actually find it more comforting to imagine that one just might be regurgitating food into the other’s mouth. That would be more pleasant to me than to imagine these birds getting it on in plain sight. I guess it does confirm my theory that these two are in love. Oh and boy birdy is much nicer to girl birdy these days- he doesn’t get all pissed when she tries to steal his grapes. Maybe they went to birdy counseling. 

I think we’ve had a good first week

Before I go… I’d like to wish a very HAPPY 81st Birthday to my grandma Bonnie! love you!

Parents Down Under March 4, 2009

So they made it They did miss their connecting flight to Sydney since their flight into Brisbane was late- but luckily it only put them back an hour. The first day they got here we just all settled in and talked and I took my mom to the grocery store so she could experience the miserable shopping trolleys for herself. She didn’t seem to mind them- I’m not sure why she found them tolerable because every other American (and many Australians) in this country HATE those damn carts!

Yesterday we spent the day at Darling Harbour. Andrew’s mom/mum and brother Paul came along too. We walked around the Harbour (it was a beautiful day), had lunch and then headed to Wildlife World. Even though you can’t hold a cute, cuddly koala in NSW, my mom was pretty stoked that she got to pet one. I really think they are the cutest animals ever. We also saw many animals in the not-so-cute spectrum. Lizards, snakes and the deadliest spider in the world… yeah not so cute. Fun fact: did everyone know that the deadliest spider in the world is only found right here in Sydney? It is actually called the “Sydney Funnel Web.” So yes, not only do we have the deadliest spider in the world living in this country, it literally could be right in our back yard…if we had a back yard. And they are aggressive so they chase you! Nice right?

I was really sad that my favorite of all the animals at WW wasn’t there anymore!! Where did mr. thorny devil go? So SAD

Last night we headed to dinner at the Mosman Hotel and my dad was pretty impressed with the $7.50 steak! Too bad he didn’t order one- so we’ll probably be going back eventually for another.

Today has been a very lazy day… well, lazy for my parents- I just worked all day and so did Andrew. It was really cloudy and nasty out so I think they were happy to just have a day to relax after our long day of walking yesterday. Tomorrow will be more eventful

Here are a just a couple of pictures from our day out yesterday. I’ll post more pictures once I get a good amount going.

Oh and the birdies were back today. They hadn’t been back in 4 days and they finally showed their faces for about 5 minutes. Only enough time to have a few nibbles. At least mom and dad got a quick peek and said hello

Lastly, I would like to point out to my dear friend Amanda that no, this is not Andrew’s first time meeting my parents. I actually hope you were joking in that comment because Andrew has been to California at least 4 times and stayed in my parents’ house each of those times

A Few More Hours February 28, 2009

Until my parents get here!! They arrive tomorrow morning around 11:45am (that’s 4:45pm for you in California). Captain Hancock… hehe… is picking them up from the airport since he’ll be there already finishing work. Convenient, right? Since they connect in Brisbaine, they will have already gone through customs and all that cruddy stuff, AND since you can still go to the gates without a boarding pass in this country Andrew will get to meet them right when they get off the plane. Woohoo. I’m looking forward to showing them around Sydney and getting to spend some time with them here on our turf.

I really hope the birdies come visit while they are here. Birdies haven’t been back in a couple of days. Maybe they found better food somewhere else. Who knows? I still never named them. I decided to just call them boy birdy and girl birdy (or just “birdies”) for short. I can hear them out there in the trees… or maybe it is their friends- but I wish they would come back. Even though they have pretty much ruined our table by peeing their birdy pee onto it.

So what all will we be doing while mom and dad are here? I’ll start a list… anyone else have any suggestions?

• Visit the Rocks
• Tour of the Opera House
• Walk around Darling Harbour
• Go to Wildlife world
• BBQ @ Andrew’s mum’s house
• Dinner with Andrew’s dad in the city
• Go to Manly
• Centrepoint tower
• Maybe Taronga Zoo??
• Breakfast at Balmoral Beach

My Year in Review January 2, 2009

2008 was a good year… full of ups and downs, but luckily more ups than downs I would say. Let’s look back on my 2008… 

January ** I rung in the new year with my sisters in Laguna ** I did the God awful Master Cleanse detox diet **

 

** Andrew and I spent Valentines day on our couch, with a bottle of wine **  I pretty much spent the whole month preparing for Jen’s shotgun wedding (shower & bachelorette party) **  February 

March  ** I went home to California for Jen and James’ wedding- it was beautiful  ** We had Jen’s bachelorette party and wedding shower… so much fun!  **My niece Emma turned 5 and I got to be with her at her birthday party **

 

** My nephew Preston turned 8… he’s getting so old  ** I started my 101 in 1001 list  **April 

May  ** Andrew got a letter of intent from Qanta Mainline (international flying)… it’s been his dream and goal for years! Now we are STILL waiting on a start date…   **  Andrew and I went to Maui with my sister and her family **  

 

June  ** My sister Jan got married, unfortunately I couldn’t go to the wedding  **  ** My poor puppy Emmi died of cancer. Damn cancer!  ** Andrew and I started saving to try to buy an apartment  **July 

August  **  Andrew and I went to CA to visit my family and friends  ** We then went to Costa Rica and had an amazing time **  Andrew got to meet my sister in Texas and her kids for the first time **

 

September  ** This month marked the 1 year anniversary of when I moved to Australia  ** I Turned 28 over the international dateline on our flight back to Sydney ** 

October  ** I went to my first Australian “footy” game… the NRL Grand Final * After months of preparation, I Got my Australian residency ** Andrew turned 28 **

November  ** Andrew and I went to Perth to visit some of his family and I flew business for the very first time **  I voted in the US presidential election  ** We celebrated Thanksgiving in Australia and I cooked my first Thanksgiving dinner all by myself… including pumpkin pie from fresh pumkins ** I Broke my foot and sprained my ankle while trying to catch the bouquet at Bec and Olly’s wedding  **

 

**  I spent my first ever Christmas away from my family and friends… but got to spend my first Christmas ever with Andrew  **  I got HOOKED on the best book… Twilight. Seriously, I couldn’t get what all the hype was about, but now I clearly understand how those nerdy kids read Harry Potter in a day. I read Twilight in 2 1/2 – and I hardly EVER read **  I bought a Wii! YAY. This also means I get to cross one more item off my 101 list- #72. buy a wii    **  Andrew got me a WiiFit for Christmas and I’m anxiously waiting for my foot to heal so I can balance on it and have some fun!   **  Andrew got promoted to Captain with his current job   ** I spent New Years eve with Andrew at Cremorne point watching the fireworks over Sydney Harbour- which is exactly what I’ve been wanting to do for the last 3 years. **December 

*** This year we went to 4 weddings, plus got invited to 2 more that we couldn’t attend. I made new friends and got in touch with some old ones. Some had some babies, some lost loved ones, some found love, some lost jobs, some had successes. I think 2008 was financially and emotionally tough on a lot of people, let’s hope 2009 sees things turn around!!!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

PS. I give up on formatting this damn blog…wordpress can kiss my ass with its crappy text editor  

Merry Christmas from Down Under December 23, 2008

To all my friends, family and random visitors…I wish you and your families a safe and wonderful Christmas with your loved ones, yummy food and fun treats from Santa! For all of my Jewish friends, I wish you a very Happy Hanukkah

May2009 bring good health, happiness (and better economic situations) for all!!

Doing My Part November 11, 2008

It’s November and that means a few things:

1. It is Pancreatic cancer awareness month

2. It is the month of my brother-in-law, Brett’s birthday.

3. Ironically, Brett’s birthday 2 years ago was also the day he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which ultimately took his life 6 months later.

So, in his memory (and so many others who have lost loved ones to this terrible disease) I donate money in November to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PANCAN). I don’t have tons to spare, but I like to think every little bit helps.

November is also infamous in Australia for its “Movember” campaign where guys grow mustaches and help raise money for men’s health (depression, prostate cancer). Tons of Andrew’s friends are participating and while I can’t give money to all of them, I did donate a bit to one of them (the one I knew about first, sorry to the other guys).

So since I was on the donation bandwagon this month, I decided to start working on #29 on my 101 list- Find 3 charities that mean something to me and donate to them at least once/year.

Now, I haven’t exactly had a reason to have charities “of meaning” to me other than PanCan (that’s probably a good thing). So, I decided to go for a theme here this year and donate to all things cancer related. My 3rd charity is the American Cancer Society. I really had a hard time with this one, for the sole reason that I couldn’t decide if I should donate to the American or Australian cancer society.  Ultimately, I lived in the US for 27 years and in Australia for 1, so the US won out. Cancer is probably the one thing that I’ve seen hurt the most people in my life. Maybe not directly, but it’s all around and it’s pretty damn scary. So I hope my small donations will help here and there and maybe one day Cancer will be a thing of the past…