We had drinks down at the beach and tucked into a yummy lunch. The hours passed before we knew it we had to head back as the lads were off to the football. I left the guys to it and went to a lovely BBQ at Dec and Marnies friends house. They had two British bull dogs which were gorgeous and loved a cuddle. The food was of course amazing and we had a great night talking, laughing and listening to good music. I did offer to drive home as I wasn't drinking haha but Marnie decided to drive back.

Ed got home in the early hours and when I woke up to go for my morning run he was feeling very delicate. Haha!! We chilled out sorted out a few bits like laundry and got ready to head out to do the grocery shop. I started work at half 2 and before I went off Ed and I brought a Christmas decoration to put on Dec and Marnies tree. My shift went quite quick and a lovely English girl was there to show me the basics. It wasn't very busy though so I hope things pick up for my next shift when I'm on my own. I walked back and joined everyone at the apartment. We had grilled fish, home made chips and salad yum yum!! Ed and I then went for a long walk before getting back and heading straight to bed as I was so tired.

Monday we woke up and got a lift into the city. We visited places to find a location for New Year and met Brendan Ed's friend where we explored the botanical gardens and helped him book his skydive for Wednesday!! We headed back to the apartment and Ed headed to his interview while I enquired at more locations for new year and tucked into some lunch. Brendan met Ed after and they headed to the beach to play some football, as I am so achey from running I stayed at home changed the bed and tided up and sorted bits out for Lucy's arrival. Ed arrived back and shortly after so did Dec and Marnie, after telling them all my NY ideas, Dec decided to take Ed and I to each location to check them out. We have a solid plan now for the best time and views of the fireworks. We got back and tucked into dinner, I got ready for bed soon after.

Tuesday I had work and Ed had an interview. He came and said hello on my shift. I was so proud I opened up by myself set up and sold and served alone till 1pm. After work I walked back home and met Brendan and Ed had a quick change and lunch and then we headed down to the beach. The boys rented body boards after Ed found $20! I sat and sun bathed and had the occasional dip in the gorgeous water. It started to get a bit late so we went for a walk and showed Brendan the skate park which is always busy and we went for a coastal walk to show him down the coast. We then waved goodbye to Brendan and wished him luck as his skydive is tomorrow and we headed back for dinner with the others. We had steak with a tomatoe salsa it was yummy. After we watched the walking dead. The others stayed up watching telly whilst I showered and got into bed.

We woke up and decided to run to Bronte which was a nice 6km run. After we sat and started to plan our next steps and have decided to change a couple of flights so we can work for a maximum time in Australia as money is starting to worry us. In the afternoon we decided to take the train into the city and went and visited Brendan. We walked to wooloomooloo bay and visited a potential pub we may spend new year in. As the others think the place we decided on was too pricey. We walked along the bay and through the botanical gardens around circular key towards the rocks. We planned to go on a free walking tour but after we saw the first pub we decided to go in it would be rude not to. We had a great night exploring the rocks and it's pubs and tucked into a lovely dinner together. Brendan enjoyed a kangaroo steak which I really want to try soon!! We had a good night and didn't make it back till gone 1am.

I went for my morning run and we got some chores done very boring day. Ed went for a training session at this new job to see if it was worth staying on whilst I watched a film and started to plan the route we take around NZ, North America and South America. Ed came back and decided against the job it was a scam he wouldn't have received a regular wage. Ed and I cooked chicken, veg in sweet and sour sauce with brown rice for us and Marnie. Dec had gone for a Christmas work night out!! It was quite nice actually. We then headed into the CBD by bus and train to meet Brendan and do a pub quiz night. Being English we didn't do great but we had fun. Ed even won a cocktail for guessing a correct answer. On the way home we realised we were in a dodgy areas with a lot of transvestites and prostitutes. Haha. We headed back late and once again fell straight to sleep.

I awoke on Friday to a baby huntsman spider above my head which wasn't pleasant I was up straight away. Ed thankfully saved the day and caught it to put back outside. I then went for a 6km run which was refreshing. We ate showered and got ready to hit the city and meet Brendan. We headed to darling harbour when we arrived and went to Sydney wildlife zoo. This was so much fun we saw crocs, kangaroos and koalas. Wildlife here is incredible, different and deadly. I have learnt a lot!! After the zoo we walked around the harbour looking at the Christmas tree and santas all around. We then found a cheap pub and then the afternoon dissapeared!! We headed back around 7 as I was cooking sausage mash and peas for the boys. Marnie and Dec went out! After the delicious grub the boys headed for more beers whilst I sat and wrote my diary and headed to bed for an early night!!

Saturday we ran and Ed was kind enough to make me breakfast after. We cleaned and tided the house for D and M before showering and getting ready. I had work at half 12 and Ed made his way in with me to get the train to meet Brendan and head to the football again!! Work went quick and I had to close the store which was daunting but I managed it all okay. When I got home I spent some time with Dec and Marnie and had some soup before heading to a friends house I made in Thailand. She had prepared a wine and cheese night :) it was really fun and I ending up walking home at 2am. Ed had no keys so planned to ring me to let him in once he got back. However I had drank a lot and fallen asleep fairly quickly and Ed bless him spent 2 hours waiting outside the apartment. I felt so bad. When I woke up at half 7 I was so worried but we managed to find it funny. Marnies brother was over so we all exchanged stories of our night outs and then whilst Ed caught up on sleep I went for a long run. Once I got back we all sat and watched a Christmas film-Elf. Dec was playing golf and got back about 7, after I had Skyped home we tucked into roast lamb and green bean salad yum yum. It wasn't long before we went to bed.

Monday was a muggy dull day. I went for a run after we spent the morning doing some more thorough job hunting as we ideally need full time work to ensure we have enough money for the rest of the trip. We then got washed and dressed and headed for a lovely long walk the opposite way around the coast (north). It was gorgeous and by this time the weather had brightened up. We got back tided up and waited for Dec and Marnie to arrive home. We tucked into a delicious salmon stir fry with rice yum yum. Dec kindly then ran us into the city which doesn't take 5 minutes in the car. We met Brendan in a pub called the Soda Factory which was cool and quirky with a secret entrance. The pub was jam packed as every Monday they show a film with free popcorn. This was Home Alone to get into the Christmas spirit. We had a few drinks and enjoyed the film. Afterwards we said our goodbyes and headed our separate ways.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day. We were up very early as Ed has agreed to a labouring job helping out with landscaping etc. I went for a lovely morning run and came home showered and got ready for my interview. I headed to Rhodes which is west of the city and had an interview at a call centre. The pays brilliant and so are the benefits like free gym etc. I have been invited back for another interview on Thursday to do a presentation eeek!! I headed back about the same time as Ed and he filled me in on his adventure of a day labouring meeting all kinds of creepy crawlies!! He showered and went out to meet Brendan as they were heading to grab our NY tickets and gorge out on dollar hot dogs haha. I was picked up by a friend and we headed to manly for a gorgeous Cambodian style dinner yum yum. Ed kept updating me with how many hot dogs he had ploughed through. 6 was the final update, no wonder Dec and Marnie always question if he's getting fed enough if he packs that much away haha!! I got back late after a lovely relaxed evening catching up with a girlfriend and Ed got back about the same time. We were so tired we headed straight to bed!

Not long now until Lucy arrives and our friend Ben, Beth and Jen!! So excited :D