Is...different. Giving me perspective on the differences and ultimate similarities between Australian cities and people. As are those that I meet - most of whom also grant new perspective on our family, and thus, why I am the way I am, and how lucky I am to be so.

18th - was awesome. Despite several only-just-averted almost-disasters, I had the most fantastic time!! And everyone loved the new boy, which was a significant relief. They didn't need to, but the fact that they did filled me with confidence, as did just his being there, and being him. Lots of funtimes dancing, singing (which was not a disaster, amazingly!) talking, and the most awesome presents! I was given seven pairs of earrings, which was pretty cool - I loooove my earrings! - as well as lots of other interesting and unusual things... My friends are great.

I'm still pretty exhausted from that, but my hectic Sydney schedule doesn't allow much time for bumming around! Going out every night this week, continuing after I get back, until Monday! But it'll be massively fun, so I'm up for it! Food here is unreal; SO good :).

Will write more later - movies tonight! :D

No, I haven't disappeared off the face of the earth, though it may seem that way (and does with lots of other people I know too!) I think it's just that time of year - everyone is crazily busy, and there doesn't seem to be time to just stop and breathe. It's funny, because I imagined that once exams had finished, I would be able to relax - I had forgotten that life creates busy-ness all by itself, no worries!

At the moment not the least of mine is my 18th, which I have been run off my feet organising since I got back from Sorrento (that's Sorrento, Victoria, not Italy! I wish!) last Saturday. I did write a really long update about last week, and then the computer deleted it as I was trying to send...grrr...I was so frustrated I didn't have the energy to write another one. Suffice it to say, it was a crazy, fun-filled, energetic and totally wonderful time, I made new friends, found a new guy, and did things I would never normally do. (Mostly crazy things. They were great fun though!)

My 18th (the party, not the actual day yet) has crept up so fast it's not funny...I feel like I'm organising the whole thing by myself, though my parents are helping...I think it's mostly their involvement that's making me so stressed! That, and the fact that there's SO much to do. But I'm confident that by the time we hit Saturday night, the whole thing will go off with a bang and be wonderful. (I found the world's best shoes to wear. How could it not be brilliant!)

Next week I'm off to Sydney, to spend five days with my cousins whom I've never really met, before coming home, going to two important parties, a carol service, and then, on the 16th, finding out my all-important Year 12 results. I don't want to think about it...but I do..but I don't...although I'm not really bothered. Whatever happens, happens. (Yes, I take a pragmatic attitude!)

I have to go to sleep - I'm too tired to write this update really, but it's in snatched time, away from the million-and-one things that must be done...

Hope the world (i.e. you) is well and happy, and coping with the challenges being thrown your way.