tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12270077220258634202024-03-06T19:53:00.770+11:00My life just happens to contain crazy catastrophes.It's not so pleasant, and it's not so conventional; it sure as hell ain't normal, but we deal, we deal.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.comBlogger344125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-88029059912034203852013-10-21T22:34:00.001+11:002013-10-21T22:34:14.163+11:00This fire, we let it all burn.
University's finished for the year! I've been getting marks back lately and feeling very satisfied with them. Classes felt more fun and alive despite comparison to my previous semester abroad; I returned this time around wanting to knuckle down and learn, and I loved what I found. Speaking of which, this is a product of some group work I was involved in. We pretended we were a travel Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-14212078037744365832013-10-06T11:06:00.003+11:002013-10-06T11:06:43.566+11:00The perks of being a cinema worker.
Cinema work is yet another perspective that I've taken for granted. One thing I'll say; popcorn off carpet has to be one of the hardest things to clean effectively and efficiently.
As I sit here with my regular cup of tea and ponder the future, new details come into knowledge and old ones end up helping define them clearer. I'm finally, definitely, out of that lost feeling of Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-68167459105078968542013-09-24T15:54:00.000+10:002013-09-24T16:12:55.497+10:00Take me, take me to the riot!
I passed my ice skating exam, by the way.
So I've had a bunch of crazy catastrophes in the past week or so. I've finally figured out how to utilise this part of my life; this strange, jetlagged heart of mine recovering little by little. I was sitting on the sidelines of my own life, looking in, waiting for my own life to start.
And it has. It took a while, but it finally has.
SundayMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-47580537779147728482013-09-11T17:40:00.001+10:002013-09-11T17:40:30.729+10:00Well, hello there.
So things have been crazy for me, one more month left of university for the year and the US study tour happening in two months! Classes have gotten absolutely fascinating, and I have my ice skating exam in a couple of days (to pass to the next level!), so things have been very exciting. I also happened to win a double pass to see The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones thanks toMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-79954418882681691292013-08-27T12:18:00.002+10:002013-08-27T12:18:39.170+10:00...now what?
Okay, I think I'm going crazy.
Not a new sentence, I know. But I think about everything I wanted to do when I returned, and think about what I've really done to this point. I've gotten the haircut, I'm regularly ice skating once or twice a week, and I went to the Monet exhibition not long after I got back. I try and make plans with friends once or twice a week.
But that's it. I feel like Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-69204686833870361272013-08-16T13:51:00.000+10:002013-08-16T13:54:13.032+10:00Country time and a catch up.
It's so easy to forget just how far I've come.
I'm not talking travel, I'm talking family. I went to visit Mildura during my week off from uni.
It's been a refreshing time off from work, which I've been thankful for. Work's definitely been more challenging lately and I've ended up second guessing myself. Which is ridiculous because I have confidence in my work. The problem just seems Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-78908984344987739962013-07-31T18:51:00.002+10:002013-07-31T18:51:45.425+10:00Some big steps.
So I bought my own pair of ice skates. Unfortunately the rentals, while convenient to use until now, are not safe for learning how to ice skate properly. While the skates were expensive in this part of the world, I judged it was better to pay for skates now, rather than an injury later.
I also couldn't help but be frustrated on my first lesson, when the unpredictability of the rentals Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-15901717056763650912013-07-24T18:34:00.002+10:002013-07-24T18:34:48.700+10:00Postcards.
Over a month has passed since I've returned. I've made a decent effort to return to my life in Melbourne without forgetting that fiery, passionate, ecstatic part of myself I'd discovered abroad - although I'd like to see you try the same while waiting on people. I thought it would be a good reminder to remember my postcard vendetta and the stories behind them all.
I must say, first of allMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-79646114600179173302013-07-17T20:36:00.001+10:002013-07-17T20:38:29.005+10:00Honestly?
Hello everyone!
Things have been crazy and I haven't really had much time to myself lately, so here's a little update.
Work was getting a little crazy - understatement - what with holidays and working a few back to back shifts. People take their free time for granted until they no longer have it. I've cut back on my hours now that university's started up again, and it's amazing theMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-86774265043370649442013-07-07T22:03:00.000+10:002013-07-07T22:03:00.117+10:00Play hard, but work hard too.
Abisko, Sweden.
Hello! I'm happy to report that things have been quite busy lately. Sometimes I wonder why I put myself through certain things, before remembering that I'm working toward something. It'll all be worth it.
University trimester starts up again, and I'll be pondering more of the media and its hypnosis on the general society again. There's also a Study Abroad Club on campus thatMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-56023614092453649852013-06-27T03:12:00.003+10:002013-06-27T03:18:12.322+10:00But if you close your eyes...
Venice.
...does it almost feel like nothing's changed at all?
Honestly, Australian politics are doing my head in. There's no sense of stability, not when you have two politicians like Gillard and Rudd fighting over the head job like they are. I think I should just move to England and be done with it, just leave now in time for the cinematic collapse. We're not educated enough day-to-day to Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-599601265670874172013-06-21T00:58:00.001+10:002013-06-21T01:01:13.906+10:00A restless nomad.
Well. I've been adjusting. I've had terrible jet lag, and Melbourne's been colder, but I'm recovering every day. I'm catching up and socialising as often as I can. I also got my job back! That's something that's become a huge relief to me.
I love being able to talk about my travels, with other people who have travelled. It may come off as boasting, but travelling is something I've Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-75499625394727870182013-06-17T17:41:00.000+10:002013-09-11T16:47:42.165+10:00Post-Sweden.
Hej hej!
So I'm back in Melbourne.
I arrived Saturday night after about 19 hours of flying time. My Swedish neighbour on the way to Doha was on a school trip to Kenya to help build a school! We got to talking travel and the flight was fine.
Doha is absolutely stunning at night, by the way.
The entertainment system on this particular commute didn't fail, not that it ever hasMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-87305196951485289292013-06-14T04:46:00.002+10:002013-06-14T04:46:10.381+10:00Unexpected achievements during my exchange...
Minimal jetlag flying Oz to Sweden
Steep downhill sledding
Coffee addiction
Starting a foreign Starbucks mug collection
Sangria and tapas in Spain
Ice skating
Dogsledding
Snowmobiling
Visiting the Ice Hotel
Seeing the Northern Lights (twice!)
Feeding Reindeer
Eating Reindeer
Visiting Café Deux Moulins
Eating Escargot
Wearing a beret in Paris
Visiting Auschwitz
Finding Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-37333165683594955462013-06-10T03:10:00.007+10:002013-06-10T03:12:09.726+10:00Swedish acknowledgements.
Well, it's time to leave for Melbourne (Friday), and don't get me wrong: I can't wait to get back. But I've had such an amazing time abroad with so many people. They need a soppy emotional acknowledgement blog post.
First of all, I'll say this. It's been such a pleasure to meet such smart, educated, motivated, ambitious people. It takes a certain mindset and decision to decide to spend aMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-19586357538274509842013-06-09T08:28:00.001+10:002013-06-09T08:32:32.548+10:00Italian Espresso Tour with Contiki.
The Italian tour with Contiki was absolutely jam packed. Our tour manager Vincenzo (Vinnie) was quite a character and he set the tone for the trip. Very open and friendly. And funny!
The tour started in Rome, where we spent two nights and one full day. Places included the Trevi Fountain (which received 50 Euro cents and 1 Russian ruble from me), the Roman Forum and the Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-28468019378691902152013-06-01T00:20:00.000+10:002013-06-01T00:20:34.657+10:00On the Scanbalt Balalaika and Vodka Tour.
Hello everyone! Wow, it's been an amazing, exciting, exhausting week of travel - but the travels aren't stopping just yet! But before I go on my Italy tour tomorrow, here's a round-up of my tour with Scanbalt.
The tour involved jumping between Tallinn, St Petersburg and Helsinki. This tour included a range of students from all corners studying in Sweden and Norway. Much of the usual Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-24476752155170764642013-05-21T06:37:00.001+10:002013-09-29T21:00:53.292+10:00To achieve in my mundanity...
A list of things I want to do when I return to Melbourne.
Get my license
Get a new, proper haircut
Hang with friends 1-2 a week
Go to more music gigs
Switch from glasses to contacts
Start walking again (but not as intense as before!)
Socialise with strangers at least once a week
Try ice skating at the city's ice rink
Go to these places (interstate):
Sydney
Perth
Uluru
Tasmania
New Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-42649941462072252732013-05-20T19:13:00.000+10:002013-05-20T19:26:29.094+10:00The Mish who went to Malta.
Malta was a nice trip. Not so much touristy like the other trips I've become used to, but more of a beach holiday. Just relaxing and taking things at my own pace.
We jumped from the main island to Gozo and back again.
We also watched Eurovision at the local bar! It was treated like a sporting event, everyone cheering for Malta (they came 6th). I Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-66093663590146101262013-05-10T02:10:00.000+10:002013-05-10T02:38:54.180+10:00London recap.
London was...wow. It was a whirlwind of a trip, balancing between the crazy tourism and just slowing down to appreciate the local culture. Most of my trips have been GO GO GO WE HAVE TO SEE EVERYTHING I HAVE THIS LIST, but my relative Sophia, being a local, made me see that slowing down might just be best to appreciate things more.
I arrived at Stansted Airport about 11:15 GMT Friday Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-82253489973926229162013-04-30T22:43:00.001+10:002013-04-30T22:43:41.464+10:00London calling!
So I'm aware that I haven't updated this blog since before Sea Battle/Tallinn. Let me just say now, that Sea Battle came as advertised; over 2000 exchange students on a boat with cheap alcohol. Do the maths.
So I'll just show you some things from Tallinn. It's a nice place, and I'll be back end of next month for my Tallinn/St Petersburg/Helsinki tour.
I'mMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-20658637360814483672013-04-19T21:44:00.000+10:002013-04-19T21:49:23.939+10:00The ideology of a 'home' and being nomadic.I've gotten to thinking about the mythology of being 'at home' somewhere, calling a place 'home' and ideas of places that can be a 'home'.
First I'll say that my upbringing was less traditional; certain events meant that my family was always moving. We never stayed still for long, we lived in countless rentals; I attended three primary schools and two secondary schools. We weren't still Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-62183447113596072842013-04-19T03:32:00.000+10:002013-04-19T21:48:57.148+10:00Poland.
So the trip to Poland was great. Poland was never huge on my list of places to go, but sometimes it's good to try new and unexpected places. Because they can surprise you. Big time.
So Saturday afternoon we landed in Warsaw, and it was raining. We found our hostel and walked around Old Town exploring. We saw some interesting stuff.
We got up Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-14684617512660446162013-04-11T07:03:00.000+10:002013-04-11T07:03:44.383+10:00Twenty-One.
So it was my birthday -- in a foreign country, continuing a pattern started last year in Phuket. This time it was Sweden, and I was interested to see how things would unfold. I had a pre party a couple of days before, and we ended up going out, the usual adventures that happens when you're on exchange with a bunch of fantastic people.
The (Tues)day itself was pretty quiet inMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227007722025863420.post-23961411237652121122013-04-02T07:34:00.000+11:002013-04-02T07:35:28.312+11:00Travelling and pre-birthday thoughts.
So back from Stockholm... what next, you ask?
Well I have about three weeks back in Örebro (hey, I do have class!), with my birthday on the 9th. It's the big 21st birthday, and I think about all the things I've done in the past few months before turning 21 than a lot of people only end up achieving after such a milestone... if at all. Phuket, Stockholm, Barcelona, Lapland and Paris!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08190007961272486642noreply@blogger.com0