Sprinklers

Today, classes ended for the first term of my study in Australia. 7 weeks. That doesn't sound like a whole lot of time, now does it? That's not long enough to make any real change. Not long enough to come a long way.

I was struck with a sudden thought tonight when I was sitting in the lounge with the remaining few of us 385ers who haven't gone home yet. In 7 weeks, I've come a long way. The plane ride was just the beginning of the journey.

I remembered the few tears I shed when I felt the plane flying out of San Francisco leave the ground. I remember thinking, holy shit, I don't really like America, but I am extremely sad to see it go! Most of my tears were shed because of the people I left behind and to the uncertainties I was travelling to.

I then remembered my first day here at CSU. The kangaroo popping it's head out of the bush, my RA swooping in and saving me with a phone card so I could call home. Finally being able to unpack my stuff and realizing that I didn't have any hangers or drawers. And the sprinklers.

CSU works very hard to keep SOME green grass on campus by running sprinklers with used water in them. (Australia is in the middle of huge drought, so, it's NOT fresh water.) The sprinklers are rigged with an underground pipe system, the only visible part is the little black part that sticks up about 3 inches. (Yes, I have fallen ASS OVER TEAKETTLE because of them!) Well, they seemed to ignore the fact that they spray up against the sides of all of the cottages. My first night here, I was alone, and didn't know much about the surrounding area except for the pack of kangaroos that I could hear bouncing by. I had my windows open because it was fucking hot and I tried to go to sleep. Well, the SPRINKLERS were due to come on at some point that evening, and me, not knowing what they were noticed that they sounded a WHOLE LOT like rattlesnakes. So, I figured that there were snakes outside of my window, looking in on me. I barely slept that night. Yea, that was my first night in Wagga. My flatmates really like that story.

But today, as I was saying goodbye to people as they left one by one with hugs and whatnot, I was in awe. How far I'd come at putting my roots here in a few short weeks. I still have my bad days. Sometimes, I can't stand these American hating fuckers, but, they're still my Australian family, living in our Australian home away from home. A place where we make the boys watch Grey's Anatomy with us (I know you love it, Jer Bear) every Sunday, where we drink beers at noon time (Australian beer far out competes American beer, for the record), where we land after a night out and switch off whose job it is to make toasted sandwiches. We yell at one another about dishes. Bitch about flies. Gossip about who screwed ("rooted") who last night. It's remarkable, really. And then there's the wine science people, who I feel like I'm finally in with. Dennis, who thinks I'm the plant sen sai of his classes or Chris, who loves to quiz me on biochemistry. Three months ago, I had an entirely different cast of life characters. Now, I've met all of these people that are making me me, and it's been tough, but I'm not complaining.


...til they start bashing my sea to shining sea. Don't hate us 'cause we're fabulous, Australia. And yes, I still require an American flag for over my bed.

Off to Adelaide to see my favorite Australian (MEL!) for the Easter holiday, then off on some misc Tassie adventures! Can we say...I'm pumped! Three cheers for getting out and seeing the world!

Cheers

AMERICA: FUCK YEA

I need to have a quick little American moment before I run off to grape and wine science. Okay, so, you know how we all search for someone to blame when we're under stress and not happy with ourselves? It's that time of year here at CSU. The term ends Thursday and all of the grumpy procrastinators are out in full pissy force.

Well, I've discovered this week that's common Australian sport to just sit around and rip on everything American when they're all stressed out and freaked that their lazy than thou attitude caught up to them. I have made it clear that they were all fairly free to rip on the US, but just don't do it when a) I'm around or b) when they're not well researched because, well, I usually lay any one's shit out flat about things. Most people in the 50 nifty don't know what's going on in Oz, and most people in Oz don't really know what's going on the States, they actually know very little, they just think the know everything and can thereby comment on it and criticize it.

I can take criticism and bitching. That's what America was built on. It's what we do. I can even take being blamed for things. For example, apparently, the obesity epidemic is all the USs fault. No one else can be held responsible. It's apparently because we put hormones in our meat. Firstly, those two things are almost entirely unrelated. Secondly, Australians don't EAT our meat. Everything here is stamped "Proudly AUSTRALIAN". So, who's fault is it? The obesity epidemic is caused by a single point in a persons body...their ELBOW. It's what brings food to their mouths. The people in my house eat at McDonald's more than I ever had at home, and they want to blame us, me in particular, they seem to like to talk to ME about how HORRIBLE we are for making the world fat. Now, if these people were equipped with any kind of social filters, they may realize that that topic might be a TISCH sensitive for me and they may not constantly yell about it. I never bound and gag them and force them to go to McDonald's with me. Social fucking filter, people. Generalizations never simplify things for anyone else but you, 9 times out of 10, they're hurtful and they will cause other people to not like you so much! But, I can take that. I can roll it off of my shoulders, it's not really a huge deal. :-)

What I can't take is when they started criticizing my customs and culture. I was telling someone about a s'more (they don't have them!), and the fat ranter was like "Well, that's stupid. I'm glad we don't have that or we'd be fatter like all of you Americans." I nearly popped a vein. It's not like I go around BASHING their vegemite, kangaroos, and stupid speech phrases. I saw a bit of red. I can take criticism, but knock it off at customs and traditions. Leave those be and RESPECT. That's one thing I don't tolerate well: DISRESPECT. Fat ranter has lost all of my respect, probably never to regain it again. And I'm still a little sore about that comment.

Another theory. My flatmates think that without the US, the world would be much better off. Do you agree? I mean, really think about that. I'm sure you all can think of a million reasons why and why not. Regardless, I would NEVER come right out and say that to an Australian. I would never be like "Oh, well, I think the world be so much peaceful without Australia." GET real. Come on.

Another one I liked was that Americans were "selfish and stupid". On youtube, there is a video (just query "stupid Americans") of an Australian reporter asking people random simple questions on the streets of the US. The flatmates were most shocked when the people couldn't ID Australia on a map. So, in their eyes, that makes everyone stupid. I mean, everyone. Including me, because, I obviously am unable to locate Australia on a map. And the selfish thing. Don't even get me started. Before all of this had happened, I had been noticing just how selfish most Australians. It's not a selfish thing like in a negative way, they're just all very Aussie-centered. I can't blame them, this is a great place! It's probably due to this that they don't see themselves in the mirror. Self reflect, look at your own habits, then make another judgment. But don't include me in your generalization of "selfish" America.

To finish it off, I got told that when one of my flat mates first met me, I was "lucky" that she didn't "judge me" because I was an American. (And a FAT American...she's the fat ranter.) Her father is an American, yet, she carries this uncommon hatred for us. WTF, mate? Cool it. I responded by saying, "Yea, you are lucky you didn't treat me poorly, because, I'm not the kind of girl you want on your bad side." I thought Australians were supposed to be cool! Whatever happened to "No Worries!" Again, proof that generalizations, whether positive or negative, aren't always true.

But this is true: There are TURDS wherever you. If anyone finds a turd free location, please let me know.


In the mean time, could some please send me an American flag to put up in my bedroom?


Rant Concluded.

Cheers

Wagga Wagga Werewolves

I urge you all to go crack open your copy of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and reference that part where Gilderoy Lockhart claims to have defeated the Wagga Wagga Werewolf. It brought a smile to my face!

Cheers

I'm 12 Years Old: Longest Survey of My Life

(Peeling Gum Tree on the Way to the winery. Love the smell of these after rain!)

105 (or less) Facts About You

1. EVER BEEN GIVEN AN ENGAGEMENT RING? NO,keep my fingers clear, thanks.

2. LONGEST RELATIONSHIP? A few months? No ring, hence

3. LAST GIFT YOU RECEIVED? A package from my Mom full of goodies, most importantly, Dioritos

4. EVER DROPPED A CELL PHONE? Touch wood: NO.

5. WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU WORKED OUT? Yesterday.

6. THING(S) YOU SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON? Tuition, Housing, Travel, Clothes, Booze, Food (notice which is first there)

7. LAST FOOD YOU ATE? A Tim Tam and cuppa Hot Milo (Yes, there was a Tim Tam slam performed)
8. FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT THE OPPOSITE SEX? Smile

9. ONE FAVORITE SONG? Changes Constantly. I think it might be "Ain't Too Proud to Bed" by the Temptations right now. Makes me want to dance around and bask in all of my American-ness.
10. WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Wagga Wagga, NSW, AUS

11. HIGH SCHOOL YOU ATTENDED: PYA. With the "hores".

12. CELL PHONE SERVICE PROVIDER? Telstra, Cingular

13. FAVORITE MALL STORE? States: Borders, Oz: Roxy

14. LONGEST JOB YOU HAD? Fox Run Vineyards...LOVE LOVE LOVE

15. DO YOU PRANK CALL PEOPLE? Yes, I'm in a war with some boys from Bathurst.

17. LAST WEDDING YOU ATTENDED? Wow. Angie?

18. FIRST PERSON YOU'D CALL IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY? JENNIE!

19. LAST TIME YOU SAW YOUR BEST FRIEND? Feb :-( And I want to see her RIGHT NOW.

20. FAVORITE FAST FOOD RESTAURANT? Wendy's.

21. BIGGEST LIE YOU HAVE EVER HEARD? I don't know?

22 . FAVORITE PIE? Peach

23. WHERE'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT WITH FRIENDS? In house, after cooking and drinking all day!

24. CAN YOU COOK? I'm going to be a wine maker...that's like a requirement
25. Went AWOL? No?

26. BEST KISSER? This will remain secret. They know who they are

27. LAST TIME YOU CRIED? I cry about once a week. I think it's required.
28. MOST DISLIKED FOODS? BUTTER MENTHOLS. MUSKS. AUSTRALIA YOU SUCK AT HARD CANDY.

29. THING YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF? Probably my musical collection

30. THING YOU DISLIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF? I'm pigheaded and can't see outside of the box most times

32. LONGEST SHIFT YOU HAVE WORKED AT A JOB? A couple of extra hours at Ferro, making it 14-15 hrs. Some days at Fox Run were really long, too.

33. FAVORITE MOVIE? Mean Girls.

34. CAN YOU SING? Loudly and proudly, and often!

35. LAST CONCERT ATTENDED? Counting Crows and Goo Goo Dolls?
36. LAST KISS? Summertime

37. LAST MOVIE RENTED? BORAT. :-D

38. ONE THING YOU NEVER LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT? My ipod. Duh.

39. FAVORITE VACATION SPOT? AUSTRALIA.

40. FAVORITE DISNEY ANIMATED MOVIE? Nemo, The Little Mermaid

41. PLAY INSTRUMENTS? Violin
43. LAPTOP OR DESKTOP COMPUTER? Laptop. Mac. :-)

44. FAVORITE COMEDIAN? Dane Cook, by a landslide

45. DO YOU SMOKE? HELL NO

46. SLEEP WITH OR WITHOUT CLOTHES? Depending on level of intoxication...right Creekside 23?

47. WHO SLEEPS WITH YOU EVERY NIGHT? Mr. Hippo :-)

48. DO LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS WORK? Not easily

49. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE? Ummm, my Mom is going to read this....

50. PANCAKES OR FRENCH TOAST? Chocolate Chip pancakes A LA Vern

51. DO YOU LIKE COFFEE? LOVE.
52 HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR EGGS? Over hard, or scrambled

53. DO YOU BELIEVE IN ASTROLOGY? Get my horoscope everyday

54. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Jennie :-)

55. LAST PERSON ON YOUR MISSED CALL LIST? Mike

56. WHAT WAS THE LAST TEXT MESSAGE YOU RECIEVED? Salami, lol
57. FAVORITE DINOSAUR? Not the Mama!

58. NUMBER OF PILLOWS? Two

59. WHAT ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW? AZ tee, black pants

60. PICK A LYRIC, ANY LYRIC?

Turn up the radio
Blast your stereo
Right now
This joint is fizzling
It's sizzling
Riggggght

does that song make anyone else want to watch Pulp Fiction?

61. WHAT KIND OF JELLY DO YOU LIKE ON YOUR PB & J? Strawberry
62. CAN YOU PLAY POOL? I like to think I can

63. CAN YOU SWIM? I do often
64. FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Cake Batter

65. DO YOU LIKE MAPS? Yes::shudders:: No thanks to Rud
68. EVER ATTEND A THEME PARTY? Several. Anything But Clothes= THE BOMB

69. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON? Autumn:-)

70. LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED AT SOMETHING STUPID? About 5 min ago

i deleted 71 through 74

75. NAME OF YOUR FIRST PET? Bob North, homies, he's the man
76. DO YOU THINK PIRATES ARE COOL OR OVERRATED? I have no hate for the pirates
77. WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WEEKEND? Too far away. Studying and working my ass off

78. BIRTHDATE? July 5th, 1984. Best day of everyone's lives.

79. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE? A winemaker, sillies

85. ARE YOU ON A LAPTOP? Sure am, lovin me my mac

87. ARE YOU SMILING? Sure am. It's all the sunlight here

89. DO YOU MISS SOMEONE RIGHT NOW? Anyone located on the East Coast of the US.

90. IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD YOU GO? Maryland!

92. ARE YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL? Negative
93. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH? Yes

94. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PETS NAME? Casey Jr North. He's my #2 man, after Kev.

95. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BATHING SUIT? What do you think? PINK

97. DID YOU GO ON VACATION LAST MONTH? I've been on vacation for a month or so now.

98. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON A CRUISE? No.

99. DO YOU HAVE A SISTER? Several

100. ARE YOU UPSTAIRS? Up a hill.

101. ARE YOU IN LOVE? Always

102. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN THE HOSPITAL? Several times

103. DO YOU WISH YOU COULD SEE ANYONE PARTICULAR RIGHT NOW? Jennie!

104. WHAT JEWELRY ARE YOU WEARING? Rings, earrings, necklace. I hear jewelry.

105. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO AFTER THIS SURVEY? continue studying.

Back to Photosynthesis.

Happy Little Vegemites

Proof that I really am in a nutbush:



Picture that as a commercial, filled with jars of vegemite and happy children. They can't put the advert on here because it's copyrighted, I guess.

and one that's a little more true:


And I just heard that Vegemite was banned in the US because of folate. Haha, good, because it kinda tastes like crappy fermentation. Anyone know if this is actually true?

I have tried Vegemite, it was okay. Salty. Enough to raise your blood pressure. But, you should try it if you can, just for the experience. I'll bring a jar home, get at me if you want some the next time I'm home. :-)

Cheers

Where are Nicole and Keith?

I helped crush Shiraz today. I pulled shiraz skins out of my hair when I got home and got in the shower. Only in an Australian winery.

Which reminds me. I've been in Australia for more than a month now and I have not:

1) Met Keith Urban
2) Met Nicole Kidman
3) remembered that Keith was in rehab until right now
4) seen a real live wild wombat
5) held a koala
6) managed to get any color on my legs
7) Met Keith Urban

But, I helped crush Shiraz. And it rocked.

Cheers

Chardonnay=POO

Since this is my blog, and I think about wine a lot, I'm going to share with all of you some of my recent thoughts regarding white wine. Lucky, lucky people.

If you know me and have tasted with me, it should be no secret to you that I strongly DISLIKE the vast majority of chardonnays. I don't like them aged in stainless steel, and I also don't like them with too much oak or malolactic fermentation. If I wanted to chew on a barrel or lick the floor of a milking parlor, I would do so. Chardonnay is going to be impossible to avoid in my future, and I hope I can approach it with dignity and poise like my pal Peter Bell. He makes tasty, food friendly chardonnay. The cool climate thing helps a lot, but, there's only one chard I will drink, and that's his. I hope mine come out something like that someday!

My room mate Jer Bear and I were talking about Semillon, and he suggested that it was often just a stand in for Chardonnay. I confessed to him that big, fatty, oil, over-oaked wines were NOT my thing. Wines that taste like crappy Thai duck from DC are NOT my thing(worse, greasiest duck of my life!!!). He looked at me and said, "We're Australia. That's what we do."

My initial reaction was "Oh no!" because I stink very much at tasting these wines. Later, I thought more about it. I'm in a warm climate, which, I probably won't work in if I can avoid it, the wines are GOING to be different. It's a good thing. I'm in classes full of Australians, who are used to drinking this wine. I offer a different perspective, I like my white wines light, jazzy, aromatic, and *gasp* maybe even a little bit fruity! (...Well, comparatively...) So, if I just start using my senses, I'll expand my horizons!

That's the whole reason I'm here, right?! Time to step up and taste the area! Bring it on, warm climate grape growing crazies!

Time to go write some letters to the fabulous people who have been writing me :-D :-D


Cheers