It's been a whole month and I have been so busy I haven't updated the blog, apologies. We are pretty settled into Sydney now with us both working and getting into new routines, it feels like home. When I last posted it was the beginning of December. Since then we have obviously done so much. This will be a very long blog but I have taken note what exciting things we have done and will start to spiel it all down. December the 10th we had a brilliant day with Brendan at Manly we got the ferry over for the day which was fun. When we arrived there were signs to warn swimmers that a shark had been spotted so to enter the water at your own risk. We still went in. We walked and visited shelly beach also which I swam to when I was younger from the catamaran. The water was a lot calmer and we were able to have a proper swim. When the sun went in we went to a lovely fish restaurant where the lads tucked into steak, ribs and chips and I enjoyed salmon with veggies yummmm. Another tiring long day that when we got home it didn't take long for us both to fall asleep. We have both been to a series of different interviews over the last month. The one I attended on the 11th was for a full time position of which I really wanted to get to save maximum money. After rushing back home I headed to the beach to meet the boys where we soaked in the glorious weather as it was one of Brendan's last days. We then said our goodbyes to Brendan and headed home and cooked a yummy tuna pasta bake for us all which Ed and I were impressed we put together. The 12th was Brendan's last day and the day Dec headed to Vegas for a work trip. I headed back from my second interview where I had to perform a speech in front of directors on my knowledge of the company. Thankfully I had prepared and investigated the night before. I met the lads down at the beach again where we had to say farewell to Brendan. On the 13th Marnie headed back home to Coffs harbour to visit her family, we said goodbyes and went off for one of many runs together. We spent most of the day applying for jobs and grabbing food to cook over the weekend. I also had a late night shift at Baby Boxes and closed up alone. I opened up on the 14th at Baby Boxes and today Ed had managed to get a labouring job so when I finished I had a look around the shops for Christmas presents. I cooked fish with veg and new potatoes which was yummy if I do say so myself for Ed and I. I had a call telling me I got the full time position today and that I would be starting on the 6th of January wahoo!! We Skyped a few friends back home and watched a film. During the film we had our first encounter with a huntsman spider. It freaked me out so much I couldn't sit in the lounge and went to bed. Marnie came home today so we spent the morning cleaning and tidying to make sure everything was perfect for when she arrived home. After sitting and planning a few meals together we headed into the shopping mall and grabbed this weeks grocery shopping. Ed and I went off after and grabbed our presents for people. We enjoyed a delicious thai green curry tonight yum yum. Georgina and Dean our friends from Thailand were in town so we headed to the city to meet them for a drink. We had a very good night enjoying a live band and had one too many... I had a run on the 16th to shake off my hangover and then Ed and I headed down to the beach where I ended up bumping into a uni friend which was so strange!! We lay on the beach and caught up and had a lovely dip in the ocean. Once we got home we prepared a yummy ricotta, cauliflower and spinach bake for us all and then headed to the soda factory (a bar) in the city and met Georgina and Dean to watch Finding Nemo as it was free movie Monday's and the bar offers free popcorn too yum yum. The place is filled with other travellers so was a nice cheap night. 17th of December (HAPPYBIRTHDAYGEM) today Ed had work all day whilst I headed to the beach to meet my uni friend and Collette another friend from home. We had a lovely chilled day and enjoyed a sushi lunch yum yum. Once Ed was home I headed back to meet him we showered and met Georgina and dean down at the beach for a yummy BBQ. We both worked the next day which is boring to comment on but after work we got ready and headed to a popular bar in Double Bay to meet the gang we travelled within Vietnam. We enjoyed a few drinks reminiscing and catching up and headed home late. The next day we met Collette in the city and finished our Christmas shopping. Again I had work and had to stay till 10pm the shopping mall is ridiculously open till 12pm!! Dec arrived home on the 20th and we packed up our bits and headed to the new rented house. It took a couple of trips but we were all settled in by the time Marnie finished work. I wrapped all the presents today and packed a bag of stuff Lucy can take home as I have collected way too many bits and bobs already. I had work again the next day and Ed explored the area around the new house for runs and walks. It's set on a very steep hill therefore runs will be tough eek. Was sad tonight as mum and dad said bye to Luce and I feel guilty they are all alone back home :( missing them and wish they were here. After work we chilled out in the new house Ed and I cooked alone as the others went out. The 22nd we spent the day at the beach which wasn't that nice as the weather was so muggy and strange. Not such a great day and contacted home for a lot of it. When we came back from the beach I helped marnie prepare some shortbread which turned out a little dry!! We prepared for Lucy's arrival. There was a blackboard wall where i wrote G'DAYLUCE! We watched Love Actually to get us in the Christmas spirit and then headed to the airport to grab Lucy. It was lovely to be reunited and we went to bed late after catching up. I took lucy for a walk down to the beach this morning. We then headed to Westfield shopping mall to meet Beth and Jenna! Ed had to travel a way to grab his pay he was owed so we met him after. It was great to be reunited! The guys grabbed their alcohol and gifts for Dec and Marnie and we all headed back to the house to introduce and meet one another. Once they left we all got ready for the bridge climb. We got a taxi in whilst Dec and Marnie drove. It was so much fun we had some lovely photos and recorded a message at the top for our Mums and Dads we miss lots. After we said hey to the guys in their hostel and then headed home as it was a tiring day. On Christmas eve I went for a refreshing 10km run which was needed as I have been pigging out so much. We skyped home and had a lovely catch up with Mum and Dad. We got dropped by Marnie at the ferry port and headed to Toronga Zoo. We had a lovely day seeing all the animals and after went into the city to see the giant Christmas tree. The streets were still busy at 6pm, we were happy to be going home to relax and chill for the evening. We watched Fred Claus and tucked into lots of festive goodies. Luce was so tired she was asleep very early. Christmas day had finally arrived I done what I had never done before and went for a run on Christmas morning. I got back showered and helped sort bits out downstairs before guests arrived. We set the table as Dec and Marnie assured us they had the food under control. We then sat around and opened our lovely gifts sent all the way from England. Thank you very much for all the presents and money it really made us smile, all the way from the other side of the world. Dec and Marnie opened their gifts from one another and the gifts Ed, Lucy and I had purchased together for them. After we all got dressed and whilst Marnie and Dec carried on preparing food Ed, Lucy and I headed down to the wet and windy beach. Today's weather was not as we hoped and it actually started to rain as we left the beach after the important beach Christmas day shot. The guests all started to arrive and we enjoyed food and wine non stop all day. It was lovely to sit at a 15 person table. Everyone enjoyed themselves and having our friends there was lovely as it didn't make me feel as home sick. They appreciated it so much too as they would have never even celebrated. In the evening we enjoyed skyping home which was lovely but also sad as its not right being this faraway from the ones we love. We awoke today and walked to a park nearby where we enjoyed watching the start of the Sydney to Hobart race. After we went down the to the beach where Lucy, Ed and I relaxed all day dipping in the sea and enjoying the sunshine. The rain didn't last long!! In the evening the three of us ate junk food and watched a film, It didn't take long for us all to fall asleep. The next day we got ready and made our way to the city to meet Jenna, Beth and Jacob and spent the day in Manly. We caught the ferry together and relaxed on the beach with a picnic, we tucked into left over mince pies on the beach yum yum. After lunch Ed, Lucy and I had our surfing lesson Ed and I had got Lucy for Christmas. It was a challenge and the sea was very rough today. The others enjoyed watching us and laughing whilst we tried our very best. After being face planted by the board I decided that was enough. Lucy and Ed got on better than me and managed to stand on the board a couple of times. Later we grabbed fish and chips and sat near the beach to tuck in yum yum. We went back to their hostel and enjoyed a game of Cluedo which was really fun and caught the last bus home. I had work both Saturday and Sunday this weekend. On Saturday after work the others met me and we walked to Bondi beach and met Ed and Lucy. When we got home Dec and Marnie decided we'd go out for pizza which was yummy. We treated Dec and Marnie between all three of us!! We also gorged on gelato and I found a flavour that Dad you would have loved- Bounty. So delicious!! On Sunday after work at Baby Boxes I headed into the city to meet everyone as Ben had arrived from England, Ed's friend. We grabbed bits to have a BBQ altogether this evening which was fun and tasty. Was a fun evening had by all chatting and catching up. We caught the last bus home soon after as Ben looked a little jet lagged and we wanted him to get some sleep. We Skyped Mum and Dad once we got home as we felt a little home sick and they cheered us up so much. We were laughing and joking which was lovely. On the 30th my friend Gigi from Melbourne I met in India came to visit as she is spending New Year with her Sydney friends. This was lovely and Lucy, G, Ed and I headed down to the beach for breakfast yum yum. After we walked around the coast a little and enjoyed the views and the sunshine. Once we got back G chilled for a bit before heading to Manly to meet her other friends. The others arrived shortly after with food they had purchased and we would split between us all for a Mexican feast this evening. Dec and Marnie were off out so said we could have everyone round for dinner. We spent the day together at the beach having fun and before we knew it, it was late so we headed back to start preparing our dinner. As usual the girls cooked whilst the boys watched. We had a gorgeous dinner and after the girls sat and watched a film whilst the boys decided to go out. Us girls were pretty tired so said goodbyes and headed to bed. New Years Eve we met the guys in the city at Darling Harbour to go to the Aquarium together. After the Aquarium we went for a delicious cheap lunch/dinner and tucked into burger and chips. We then made our way home packed a bag and showered and got ready to go to the old apartment as it was easier to travel to and from for tonight's party. We then headed to Wooloomooloo Hotel where we had pre purchased a ticket which included free booze and canapés for the evening. We were impressed the alcohol was okay and the canapés were delicious. Ben- Ed's friend purchased a bottle of champagne just before 12 to toast together. We watched the fireworks and shortly after headed home. The next day Ed and I went for breakfast in Bondi feeling a little hungover and met Dec, Marnie and Luce at Rose Bay to get a boat to the Island Bar where we were spending the day. It was a cool bar with brilliant views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. We tucked into free booze till 4 and Dec and Marnie told us the exciting news that they had got engaged the night before. We celebrated and had a few more drinks and when it started getting late we headed to shore. Before heading home we went out and had an Indian altogether yum yum. We were stuffed and shattered after and headed home to skype to tell home the news. The 2nd of January was disgustingly hot at 36 degrees. Luckily I was inside working. Ed headed into the city to see his friend and Lucy planned to meet her friends for dinner at the Opera House. I headed home after work and napped and watched the telly. When I awoke Dec and Marnie offered to have dinner with me. Dec had left his wallet somewhere and as they had, had drinks I drove Dec's car to go and get it before grabbing our dinner also. We had massive chicken burgers from hurricanes which is similar to Nandos, delish. It was strange to drive again especially an automatic when I'm used to manual, I miss my car. I had bad news about the job I was planning to start on the 6th, it had been prosponed so I spent the evening applying for more jobs and we watched a film together and tucked into delicious ferrero chocies!! We packed today and so did Lucy I put everything I wanted Luce to take home in her case (which just about fitted). Today we spent with Marnie as Dec had gone to the cricket. We went to Balmoral and enjoyed a delicious lunch at the renovated Boat House. This is where Dec lived when we visited Australia before, it was strange to be back. We went past his old house and had a swim in the sea before heading home. Tonight we were going out for a goodbye meal for Lucy. We went to a lovely Italian and enjoyed bubbles to give her a lovely send off. The meal was delicious and Lucy treated us all for gelato afterwards yum yum. We didn't have 2 scoops this time as we felt sick before haha. Today we started moving everything back to the old apartment. Said goodbye to Loombah road and Lucy, Ed and I headed into the city. We went to Paddington Market where Lucy brought souvenirs. We then made our way to the pylon on the bridge where we had a free entry ticket with our previous bridge climb. It was an extremely hot day and climbing all the steps was hard work but the view was fantastic. After we met everyone in the Rocks and queued to eat at Sydney's number 1 restaurant- Pancakes on the Rocks. It was delicious, some had sweet pancakes with chocolate and ice-cream and others had breakfast ones with bacon and egg etc. We were well and truly stuffed, they were amazing. Lucy and I headed back to the apartment, Lucy got showered and ready and Ed got back in time for us to take Luce to the airport and wave goodbye. It was sad, I didn't want to say goodbye. She had made my Christmas and I just hope she enjoyed her fun packed, busy two weeks as much as I did. We shed a tear saying bye to one another! We headed back for dinner before heading into the city and watching the darling harbour fireworks. We then walked for drinks at the Opera Bar. Was a good night before getting the last bus home. I also had a call about an interview at a concession stand in Myer today which is the equivalent of John Lewis, yey!! I have eaten awful over Christmas so back to eating better and running again. Today Ed went to the cricket with Ben, Dec got them members passes for free and they enjoyed the last day as we were defeated. It was my last day at Baby Boxes as I handed in my notice as I thought I was starting my new job. After I headed into the city and we all went bowling for free at a bar in the harbour. It was fun and got rather competitive. Lucy landed and it was lovely as dad sent pictures of them all back together, only 7 more months and that'll be me!! Today was Mum and Dads 24th Wedding Anniversary. I wished them the best day and as Ed had an interview I spent the day doing chores like washing and starting to plan our next steps. In the afternoon I headed down the beach. Dec and Marnie were out for dinner and so I grabbed something myself and sat in and had an early night and watched a movie. Ed got back late and I had to wake up to let him in. My interview was today for Leona Edmiston a concession in Myer. The interview went well and I stayed and completed a shift. I had to undergo a safety test to work within Myer and received a free uniform dress. After I got the train into the city and met the others where we walked to the Soda Factory a cool bar which offers dollar hot dogs on a Tuesday yum yum. The boys went out tonight and us girls chilled together and had some much needed girl talk. Love being reunited with my best friends. I got the last train home and had a night alone as Ed stayed out at the hostel after a boozy night out. I woke up sad today missing home a lot and don't feel happy to be the other side of the World at the moment. The girls came to the beach and we spent the day relaxing, Collette arrived shortly after and we enjoyed a lunch together before walking almost 12km around the coast. It was lovely the weather wasn't so great but it was nice to spend the day with just us girls. The boys spent the day in the hostel watching films being hungover and lazy haha. I had work today at Leona which was admittedly quite fun. As I worked at River Island for so long I am familiar with what to do and find it easy. Tonight we planned to go to the Ivy/Pacha. So after work I headed to the girls grabbed a box of goon (wine) and our dinner and we got ready to go out. We had a good night and got to party by the famous Ivy pool. Today I had a beach day with the boys. The girls stayed in the city and explored Sydney Festival. The boys did what boys do best and dug a massive hole on the beach. It was a very hot day and we swam and sunbathed was lovely. After we went for a drink somewhere before heading to Miss Chu a famous Vietnamese restaurant for a take away dinner which we ate on the grass mound near the beach. We were tired after our late night last night so headed home for bed. I went for my morning run and walked into work. Ed went with Jacob and Ben to Manly for the day. Work was fun and I was $14 off making target which would have meant $50 in my pocket!! I got the train into the city and us girls and a couple a girls from their hostel went to watch the Chaka Khan free concert. It was fun we danced and sang and after explored Darling Harbour. Ed came in late again after another boozy night to say bye to Ben. It was Bens last day so we planned to spend the day altogether on the beach and had a yummy evening BBQ. We had a laugh and sat talking till late. We waved Ben off and walked home to bed it had been a long day in the sun. It was Eds mum- Sues birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY) back home so we Skyped and sent our birthday wishes. On Monday I headed into the city early with Dec whilst Ed stayed at home as he had an interview. I spent Jenna's last day with her exploring the city and helping her pack. We took so many pictures together. Jenna had her favourite frozen yoghurt for lunch haha. We said our goodbyes which was sad :( and we headed home for dinner with Dec and Marnie. This evening we looked at our money situation and our plans and we have contacted STA to change a couple of flights. We may be cancelling North America as we have lower funds than we thought we would have. We have continued looking for somewhere to move out and plan to work for another month or 2 to ensure we have money for the rest of our trip. We have stayed at Dec and Marnies for too long now and need to find our feet as we need to give them their space back. I had to work yesterday at Chatswood which is an hours journey away as the Leona there needed cover. It was a fun day selling. I headed home to eat with everyone and we enjoyed steak with Brussels and pancetta yum yum. The guys are great cooks, we are going to miss their yummy dishes. Ed and I went for a walk after dinner to give them some time together. When we returned I went to bed more or less. I had messages from Jenna boarding the plan earlier today, a little jealous. Ed spent the day organising his work bits as he got the job yesterday and completed his first shift. Very happy and glad we can really start to save now. Today I walked into the shopping mall where I grabbed Ed and I a cooler bag each for when we travel the coast,to store food. I also went into Hollister where I applied for evening shifts after the store closes to tidy stock for extra monies. I spent the day writing and catching up with this blog and planning cheap meals we can tuck into up the coast to save us as much money as possible. After I post this I hope to go for a lovely afternoon stroll around the coast before Dec and Marnie get home. I hope this isn't too long and boring just filling you in on our traveling adventures. Love and miss you all xxx