Vancouver Island Drowning in Australia

Well, it has finally happened. The long awaited day came and I am now sitting with my good friend Nikki in her apartment in Melbourne, Australia. I has been such an amazing 3 days so far. The adventure started as soon as I boarded the plane. Saying a tearful goodbye to my family (most tears from my father) I boarded my plane to Shang Hai. The first flight went by surprisingly quick. Nothing too exciting happened apart from the amazing views I was able to see. But once I got to Shang Hai, the panic started to sink in. Being in a completely foreign country where you would think people would be helpful and they completely aren't is pretty frightening. First I couldn't find where in the world I was supposed to go. I tried asking as many people as I could but all I was getting were points and grunts. Finally, after suppressing a mini panic attack, I was able to find where I was supposed to go and I found my gate. Unfortunately that wasn't the end of it. My plane was delayed due to mechanical problems and it wasn't until another 2 hours later that I boarded my plane. On top of that, we sat on the tar mat for 45 minutes extra. I successfully fell asleep right before take off only to be woken up by an asian man and women yelling at each other. The fight only escalated and eventually the man was hitting- yes hitting- the woman. I was watching this and no one would do anything! It was crazy! After about 5 minutes the flight attendants grabbed the man and held him back only to open the opertunity for the women to start hitting the man. It was INSANE! I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Finally the flight attendants were able to stop the fight. I learned something from this: Violence against women, China says yes.

That flight was pretty dreadful and long. Filled with screaming kids and motion sick throw uppers. All this unfortunate-ness seemed to go away as soon as the plane landed. I was so ecstatic to finally be in Australia. I couldn't stop smiling and I was over joyed. I am quite aware that people thought I was insane. I got through imigration quick and painless only to find Nikki eagerly waiting for me outside. I immediately ran into her arms for a hug and she greeted me with a "hey how ya going?" Man, I've missed that accent which was the same Nikki said to me.

The actual fact that I was in Australia didn't hit me until 24 hours later when we took a trip down to the beach and I was drenched with a care free lifestyle. The beach was GORGEOUS! The sun was shining, the water was warm and it was all around chill and simple. That night I was invited to Nikki's parents place for a true Australian BBQ. Man was it delicious, and Nikki's parents were so kind. It was such a fantastic way to spend my first 24 hours in Australia. I already feel like I belong.

Today I was able to meet up with another friend of mine, Josh, for a quick lunch. Again, so fantastic seeing him again. We caught up quick and were soon able to sit and chat like we had never been separated.

It is 34 degrees and sunny all the time which is something spectacular to walk into after leaving -3 and snowing. It has been so incredible so far, I am already in love. I love the weather. I love the lifestyle. I love the fact I get to see members of my Nanaimo family and FFFs after so long. It's truly been a fantastic experience so far. An experience that will keep being fantastic. An experience that is amazing-as.

The final countdown

Well ladies and gents, it officially begins! It is in exactly 90 days today I will be boarding a plane for my most excellent adventure. Yes, that's right, my plane to Australia! I cannot describe to you all the emotions that are going on in my head right now. I've never been more excited/nervous/scared/excited/anxious/excited (did I already say that?) for something in my entire life of being. Mostly I'm excited (as if you didn't already get that) for my childhood dream to be lived out. I have seriously been wanting to go to Australia ever since I was the wee age of 7. My whole world is about to be turned upside down- literally. I am going to create countless memories and experience so much that I don't even know if I am ready for or not. I am a little scared and nervous because I have never actually traveled on my own and it is a big jump for me. 6 whole months in a completely different and far away country. I am excited to just leave my life behind and soak up the chill-ness that lies in Australia. Also, I get to see all my wonderful friends for whom I've greatly missed over these past couple of years. But with that said, I am going to miss my ones back home. I have to put on hold any forming relationships and leave behind my close friends and family. But not too big of sad pants are being worn because like I said, this is my childhood dream. An adventure of a lifetime. An adventure that is going to challenge my people skills and challenge my strength and independence. An adventure that will greatly reward me. An adventure of making new friends, experiences and memories. An adventure that will most of all truly be amazing as.

For no one has sacrificed and loved me this way...

I can't think of a better way to open this post than with the word sorry. Sorry. I lost all meaning behind this blog and all the feeling it gave me. I am in the middle of doing some planning ahead for studying (okay it is procrastination) and I figured I would check out my blog just to read what I did in the past year. As I started reading all I could think of was Cassia you are so stupid! Why did you ever stop writing? Emotions flooded over me as I reminisced about all the amazing as times I had. I immediately stopped and had to write. I thought of no better thing to talk about than God. He has been playing such a huge role in my life lately. As I re-read my post "Our God", I was immediately struck by the thought God you are AMAZING! I can't begin to describe to you how amazing He is. But I can tell you a story. Remember when I told you I was so fortunate to witness a miracle? Well, living in Nanaimo I've been having a hard time finding/going to church because-get this- I felt like I was cheating on my church. Silly, I know. But recently I was able to get over this little petty problem and actually drag my bum to Oceanside. A church out of Nanaimo Christian School. It was alright. I didn't feel what I wanted to feel though. I didn't feel like I was really there. Anyways the pastor was speaking about faith and relating to Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" He was saying how a lot of us haven't witnessed a miracle but yet are so strong in our beliefs because of the faith that drives us. We don't need a miracle to believe that God is there and listening, we just have faith. Sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. All I could think of in that moment was how I was so incredibly fortunate to actually witness a miracle and experience the saving grace our God provides. As soon as that thought entered my mind a pool of thoughts just raced through. God has been working so much in my life and it is so clear to see. With my baptism, camp, God moments and so on. I've been struggling with a few things since coming back to school and I was so frustrated because I was praying about them and not getting anything back from God. I was frustrated because all I wanted was to follow the path God has for me and I couldn't do that without any sign from him or reassurance of what to do. I didn't know how He could expect me to do the things He wanted if I wasn't getting anything from Him. But,GOD IS GOOD! He showed me that all I had to do was trust. Trust in Him. He provides. He is there for me. Since then, I've had amazing God experiences and God moments and just complete and full moments of praise for Him. So much realization that He indeed does provide. I am SO excited for this weekend because I get to go back to camp where I can once again experience a full and filled and pure amazing presence of God. He gets me through. He saves. Our God, ladies and gentlemen, is amazing as.

Where did the good days go?

The other night I was happily joined by my fellow b-study girls for a little beach fire. The weather made it nice, the fire ban made it rebellious and the company made it fun. We started up our fire and got right to roasting our hot dogs and marshmallows. All I wanted for so long was just a nice fire roasted hot dog so as soon as I got one all I could think about was how happy I was to be eating that dang good hot dog. Once the feasting- fine stuffing of our faces- was finished we sat back and relaxed. Songs were played, kayaks were set off and the chit chat began. After some mindless conversation we stumbled on one subject we all seemed to have the same view on-- life way back when was so much nicer. I've always felt this way, life in the 40's would have been amazing- minus the war that is. The movies always portray the 40's as such a chill, laid back, fun time. They didn't have any texting or cell phones, the only way of communication was in form of telegram or phone call- if the other party had a phone that is. Mail was delivered twice to three times a day. If you wanted to see someone, you would either phone or show up at their door and if they weren't home that was that. Cars were cooler looking, the fashion was beautifully gorgeous and the men, well they aren't too shabby either. Permission had to be asked to "go steady" with a girl and politeness on a date was the only way you were going to get anywhere. Old fashion baseball games and 2 bodies on a bicycle built for one. Going out dancing to swing dance to the sound of a live brass band. Those were the days. I was born in the wrong era. Now a days, contact is so much more impersonal with the technology we have. So lazy. Now the internet and cell phones control your courage. There is no effort made. Phone calls are turning into a burden. Our fingers can't take it anymore. All I want is for someone, instead of texting me, show up at my door and make the effort. Just like the good ol' days. They were amazing-as.

The real people of Vancouver

Canucks are my team. From Sedins to Kesler, Burrows to Edler, Raymond to Torres. Love them all. I took a trip out to Vancouver to watch the final game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I was hoping to experience some excitement like the Olympics if we won. I wasn't even close to being impressed. Yes I was disappointed that they lost but I am not even thinking about that anymore. What happened downtown Vancouver after that final whistle was complete and utter disgrace. I am so embarrassed. The rioters were not fans. They were just idiots who found an opportunity to cause chaos. The real fans were the ones who cheered on Boston as they got the cup. The real fans where the ones who respectfully turned their backs and went home. The real fans were the ones who applauded the effort and realized that the Canucks are an amazing team for getting that far. Boston deserved the cup, they played a better game and were all around the better team. I am still proud of the Canucks, I am still proud to call B.C. my home. In no way did the riots reflect the humanity and population of Vancouver. The real Vancouverites were the ones who, at seven AM the next morning, were downtown helping clean up the mess that was made by the outraged douche bags. These rioters had a plan regardless if the game was won or lost. There was a truck downtown specifically there to be torched. What really ercks my veins is that the rioters got all the publicity, but where were the media teams showing all the thousands more people helping to clean up the city. Those people should be on the news, those are the people who should be shown to represent our city. It takes years to build up a good reputation, and only seconds to destroy it. Thank you to all the police and public who helped clean up the destruction and make the city shine with the beauty it possesses. You guys are the true fans, you guys are the true Canadians. You guys are amazing-as.

Let's get it started...

It's been ten years since I posted. Sorry. It's come to an end (for a while now) of a very long, hectic and exciting year at school. The strike, the new degree, moving, getting accepted to Australia (WOO!), new relationships, break ups, and mass amounts of little things adding up. It feels good to finally get school out of the way and out of my mind. Time to lay back, chill out, and soak up the summer days to come. I've always loved the summer and the relaxing vibe that comes along with it. I've recently got a job at the Rock Cod Cafe and have already had some amazing adventures with friends and family. Here we go. I have a feeling this summer will be one to remember. So let's grab it by it's reigns and take everything as it comes. I promise to keep this blog up to date with regular postings of adventures. Let's make it amazing as.

Strike!

This ain't no game of bowling. No, it's the real deal. My wonderful school-who's motto is "love where you learn"- VIU is on strike. It has been a week so far and I don't know what to think. It is totally cutting into my 4 year plan. HA! Yeah right. For those of you who know me, you know I don't have plans. I just go with the flow. But sometimes that can lead to drowning. I don't know if I really know what the teachers are fighting for. There is talk about pay raises, no lay offs, no cuts, more benefits. It sounds like it is all for the teachers. However, I don't believe they are striking for themselves. In fact I KNOW they aren't. From the few teachers I've met here at VIU, they all care so much about our education and the students. So it is pretty much impossible for me to think that they are doing this strike without our best interests at heart. Yeah it sucks now, but it would have only sucked more if they didn't take a stand. My programs aren't really affected by any program cuts the government is trying to make, so I am not too worried what the turn out will be. But I am so angry that the government is trying to change what VIU is known for. A place close to home, good classes, AMAZING teachers and the one on one class sizes. With all this strike going on, there is good and bad to it. First off, since the teachers and faculty are supposed to completely abandon their posts, there is no contact whatsoever going on between students and faculty. So that means no word on classes, homework and the worst part--no news on Australia. I was supposed to hear by now if they had accepted me into the exchange program. It is killing me! I don't know when I'll find out and I am getting really nervous. But then again, I am all for taking this break. I love not being in school. Then it had me thinking. If I am so willing to take a break from school, losing all the learning, getting so far behind and maybe even not be able to finish the semester in time for a summer job, then why am I wasting my time and money? This break has given me a lot to think about and as much as I hate the idea of what I am about to say, I am just being honest. I am seriously considering dropping out of school. Because I am up for exchange, transferring would be a bad idea because I lose all commitment to VIU. If I were to transfer, yeah I would get to continue on my education, but exchange would be out of the question. I never wanted to be in school, I only did it to have a plan. I wish I traveled, gotten to know myself, had fun. But I didn't. I went straight to school. I think I am just afraid of my future and by dropping out I am dropping possibilities. At this point, I want learning to be put on hold so I can explore more of the world and more of me. Find out what I really want to do. Learning is everywhere and you don't need a school to find it. I love where I learn and I am in full support of our teachers. They are amazing as---