The Final Countdown

Well, once again, or perhaps still, we are busy. We returned from our 32 days on the road almost three weeks ago now. In another 33 days, we depart Brisbane (Friday, August 13) for Los Angeles. Our time in Brisbane (and Australia) is coming to an end. This is the final countdown.

The remainder of our journey with Pete and Caitlin was amazing. It became incredibly difficult to find the time, energy and service for blog-writing and posting, however. We have posted close to 1,000 of our photos on-line at: http://picasaweb.google.com.au/home?tab=yq Although I took notes along the way and documented our daily adventures in my journal, it might be easier and more exciting for you to view our photos and captions, than my scrambled time-line recounted on tomorrowmostlysunny. It would also be less tedious for me. In my last weeks as an Australian citizen (for tax purposes anyway), I have become selfish with my time.

We spent our morning lounging around our Paddington apartment. We slept in, made smoothies, folded laundry, grabbed a take-away coffee from a local favourite and wandered around the cute, quiet neighbourhood on our way home. We met with four of our friends for a mid-day brunch at Sassafrass, a Brisbane breakfast institution. Post-avocado on sour-dough and extra-large cappuccino, we gathered back at the apartment and planned a weekend trip to Mt. Tamborine - one last group getaway before our departure.

We spent the remainder of our day riding and walking around the city, visiting the art museum. After stopping at the local market, filling up on olive oil, fresh bread and basil and feta spread, we returned home to watch the sun set over the city from our balcony. And now I sit, typing, listening to the new National album, sipping a G&T, while Conor makes ravioli and salad. 32 days left.

Maybe today doesn't sound so busy, but you see...

Conor returned to work the day following our return to Brisbane. I enjoyed a few days of solitude before returning to French Twist. I am currently a casual employee, working across stores. Although I am no longer under contract and managing the store I opened over a year ago (sniffle), I am still working a fair amount, with one weekend day spent running around the cafe. We are no longer saving for our month long road-trip. We are now saving for a house and our wedding.

After months of debate, Conor and I have decided to return to the States in August. Unfortunately, we will no longer be living in the beautiful NW. Conor's company has asked him to assist with the opening of the Reston, VA office. Fortunately, we managed to meet his company's request halfway (no, not in Nebraska or Kansas), and will be setting up shop in Baltimore, MD. We look forward to reuniting with our pooch and good friends, Annie, Jamie and Adam along the Chesapeake.

We are busy planning and saving for our next adventure. We are busy laughing, eating, drinking and saying our "see you later"s to a number of amazing friends.

In 32 days I will no longer be reporting the weather from the future. We are looking forward to seeing everyone back home soon.