I’ve been doing awesome amounts of hanging out recently. I really haven’t spent much time at all around a computer (other than yesterday when I uploaded my more recent photos.) The days have been pretty lazy…just hanging around Rosey’s place, going out for food, coming back, going out again, sitting around playing GTA:SA and watching various DVDs. Rosey made a brilliant turkey dinner for Thanksgiving (mmmmmm) and we all went around the table and said what we were thankful for this year (Rosey had seen that done on TV and wanted to give it a shot) At my suggestion we also said what pissed us off in the last year…we had to restrict Will to three choices. heh.

At one point we went to see “Shaun of the Dead” in the theatre (can’t recall exactly when) because I knew I’d never have another chance to see it on the big screen and I really wanted to. It upset Siska a lot because the end was so gruesome but she seemed okay after awhile. On Friday night we had dinner at the Subiaco Markets again after which we went to see “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason” which was absolute shit. :-( I felt bad for being the one to suggest the movie but I thought maybe it’d be decent since I liked the first one so much. The only fun part of the film was the fight scene with “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by the Darkness playing over the top of it. Otherwise it was completely derivative of the first film and frankly pretty stupid and a bit boring. sigh

I finally was able to get “Black Books” on DVD as well as the first season of “Six Feet Under” (for about 1/4 the price of the set in the US!) I think Ross and I are going out to look for the second season today. People around here seem to really enjoy “Black Books” which is awesome but I’ve watched the same episodes three times in two days so I’m getting a little tired of it (they weren’t my favorite episodes to begin with.)

Last night we had a OMGWTFBBQ at Jules’ place. Considering the last time I ate there I’d injured my foot, it was much nicer. We’d bought way too many sausages and way too many rolls at Farmer Jack’s (the place notorious for signs such as “Fresh Cashrews,” “Onoins,” “Manoges,” “Carrotts,” and “Potatoe: Roast Anyone.” These ridiculous errors never cease to amuse all of us, Rosey in particular. It’s so funny to watch her lose it when giggles overtake her. It reminds me a lot of how I’d get when I was younger and used to laugh so hard that I couldn’t breathe and was literally gulping down air. :-D

During dinner, my considerable talent for letting out the most rip-roaring of belches continued to draw amusement and high expectations from people here. Unfortunately I often cut them short because they are so hilarious to me that I can’t keep them going without breaking down into giggles. No person of my size (and gender) should be able to produce such evil rumblings that appear to emanate from the bowels of hell.

Still more than a week left here. The time has gone by fast but slow, so it’s been wonderful. Ross is just an amazing guy…each day I see him my adoration for him grows immeasurably. Just being near him makes me feel so alive and calm at the same time…holding my body against his, running my fingers through his hair, caressing his cheek…it all feels so right. I find it difficult to avoid using sappy cliches even in my own thoughts, but I have no doubt in my mind that he is the person I’m meant to be with. I am so completely in love with him…there’s nothing more to say. He makes me happier than anything ever has.

I took a walk with Jules the other morning to this park across from Rosey’s uni. He asked me if the trip itself was more of a reassurance than anything else, that my feelings and intuition about these people were correct. The answer to that, of course, is yes. A month is both a long time and a very brief time, but it’s plenty enough to confirm that everyone here is exactly as I expected them to be, that the people I’ve loved for so long are actually the people I fell in love with. I realize how ridiculous this whole situation would seem to an outsider…prior to meeting Jules and Rosey I scoffed at this myself. A lot. But this was something I absolutely had to do. I know I would have regretted it for the rest of my life if I hadn’t come here. I did the right thing, there are no doubts left there.

For now I must enjoy the time I have left with the people I adore so much. :3 I don’t think that’ll be a problem. :-D

Living at Rosey and Siska’s place now. I thought it might be a little weird at first but our shopping excursion the other day proved that all of us get along quite well. I was a bit concerned that things might be awkward because we’re all so introverted but that hasn’t been the case. So that’s cool.

Ross’s family had a lunch thingie on Sunday afternoon that I went to. We had some good food and we spent the entire afternoon playing Warioware with Will and Ross’s friend Blake, only stopping when my arm started to ache from mashing the A button over and over again. I ended up spending the night over at Ross’s because it was really late (very nice indeed) and then Ross took me back to Rosey’s so I could shower. He went off to the dump and after he came back Julesenrosey and Ross and me had lunch at the Galleria (again) and then we went off in search of plates and such for Rose. I was looking for a pair of shorts but was assaulted by only brown and….shades of khaki. Ross laughed at my pronunciation of the word and we got into a bit of a silly discussion over khaki vs cocky (well, the way I’d pronounce that.) I really enjoy the fun we have over small differences like this. X3

In the evening Rose made a tuna salad and Jules annihilated some hot dogs…oh man, they were like exploded and twisted upon themselves…which he described as Lovecraftian. I took some photos of the mess. The guys got Rosey into a giggle fit over Bum Nuts.

We watched a documentary called “Wisconsin Death Trip” which was pretty meh at best…I though it would be a lot better, but oh well. After that we had some tea and then watched “Cube” which was much more enjoyable. Jules took off and Ross and I hung out together for awhile, just enjoying our time with each other, until his yawning became an indicator that unsafe motor vehicle operation may soon occur, so he went home. I dreamt that I was in a series of elevators and people had to keep changing them to take a piss. (somewhat direct reference to Cube there, btw)

Today we’re going out to look for Black Books on DVD. Ross just came by to get me so it’s time to go. He’s shaved for the first time since I met him. He looks different for sure…not sure if I like him better with or without the beard. :3 Huu.

Ok, Anny out.

We moved my things from Ross’s place to Rosey’s on Friday night since she’s finished with her exams now. I’m sleeping on a mattress on the floor in the living room, which is just fine. The birds still wake me up and people outside were making a shitload of noise this morning, but other than that it’s good.

I spent most of yesterday shopping with Rosey and Siska, riding buses all over the place. That’s sort of a new experience for me considering there is a severe lack of public transportation where I live. I think the buses in Portland were the first time I’d ever rode a city bus. o.o Anyhow, it was fun but tiring.

Then later Jules and Ross came over and we rented some movies then got some OMGWTFBBQ Chinese food. After munching we flopped on various pieces of furniture and watched “How To Irritate People” (Will came over about halfway through) and “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” I was still feeling wide awake at that point but everyone else seemed really tired and drained so they all took off. I asked Ross to stay but he didn’t want to so I ended up feeling pretty shitty and started wondering for the first time if it was a good idea to come here. I shed some tears in frustration then fell asleep to a nightmare about not having my final project done for school. Ugh.

Everyone seems to be feeling pretty down, which makes me think more and more about the reality of me having to leave soon. And that is certainly something I do NOT want to think about.

The other night while we were at Jules’ place I tripped on his outside steps and twisted my ankle pretty bad. It was the same ankle I injured back in 7th grade so it’s weak to begin with. It hurt like a mother for a bit but I was determined to keep moving so I got up right away and started walking on it. We went and picked up Rose and Siska from their last exam and came back to Jules’ place for pizza. By this point my ankle had swollen up a bit and I was biting back tears but Jules’ dad gave me an ice pack and some painkillers and I sat with my legs across Ross’s lap and soon it was tolerable. I felt pretty bad mucking things up and withdrawing from people because I was in pain but there wasn’t much I could do about it. We watched some Blackadder while eating and I drifted off to sleep (what else is new?) and then Ross and I came back to his place. I was dead tired so Ross lay with me for awhile until I got unbearably sleepy. I slept rather well indeed.

Then yesterday we all met up for lunch in Harbour Town and had some Japanese food. Mmm. My ankle was very very sore and I hobbled along most of the time (Ross was very sweet and walked a bit slower for me so I wasn’t lagging behind.) It wasn’t too bad as long as I didn’t try to bend my foot. After a bit of shopping (ie, waiting for Rosey and Siska to try on clothes) we went to see Shaun of the Dead. I’ve wanted to see that in the theatre so bad since I first heard of it, and that was probably the only opportunity I’ll ever have, so I’m so glad we went. The ending upset Siska pretty bad on account of its gruesomeness, which sucked, but she seemed to be okay later on. Reg made us chicken pie for supper and it was incredibly filling and delicious. And it now is officially world-famous. :3 I also tried vegemite on toast. It wasn’t terrible but it doesn’t seem like something I’d be particularly fond of eating on a regular basis. XD We watched some Top Gear, Fifth Gear, and The Blues Brothers. I was only a bit sleepy so I didn’t nod off, amazingly enough. After Jules and Ivan and Will took off Ross and I watched an episode of Six Feet Under and then cuddled until he was completely dead. It’s the second time this week he’s flopped his head down on my shoulder and said “I don’t think I’ve ever been this tired in my life.” X3

happysigh I’m so incredibly content. Everything feels so amazing, so right, so perfect. Ross and I go together so well it’s mind-boggling. I am constantly astounded that I’ve been able to find someone who complements me so perfectly, and I’m quite sure he’d say the same. :-D I’ve only been here a week but it feels so much longer. Guuuu. :3

Tonight is dinner in the Subi markets again, which I’m rather looking forward to. Jules should be coming over for lunch shortly, which is great because I’m starving.

Falling in love again in a new way with someone you’re already in love with is just an absolutely unbelievable and beautiful gift. Knowing a person’s soul before you know them in a physical way presents opportunities that are normally not even possible,let alone abundant. Looking into Ross’s eyes and seeing the love and adoration he has for me, and returning the gaze laden with as much caring, love, and desire as I can muster is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever felt. I find myself falling for him in ways I’d dreamt of and hoped for for so long…being with him is just so natural and so right. And despite the fact that I haven’t even been here a week yet, this whole situation just feels normal, like it was meant to be this way.

Even as I sit here in front of his computer, typing down my feelings, I can still feel his arms around me, running across my arms…the feeling of his soft beard against my cheek…it’s all very real and just….alive. I feel as if he’s here with me rather than asleep. enormously contented sigh He makes me so incredibly happy…I have never loved anyone as I do him.

Saying that I won’t be the same person when I leave here is not really accurate…I feel more like myself than I ever have. Yes, the place is a bit strange yet and there’s a lot here that overwhelms me at times, but the company I’m with makes me feel totally at home. When I finally have to go I feel as if I will have simply gained a better understanding of myself and my place in this world rather than becoming this wholly new person. I had a pretty good feeling before I left that it would be this way, but it is extremely satisfying to have my instincts prove to be entirely correct. The moments where I step back and think about how crazy what I’ve done is are few and brief. It would have been crazier to not do it.

:3~~

As far as events of yesterday were concerned…we basically did nothing all day. After taking Jon to the airport so early the previous morning, we slept most of the morning and some of the afternoon away, leaving little energy and time to do much else than eat a few things and just flop down on the couch. That was just fine though considering how busy the last few days have been with Jon here. Speaking of which, he should be getting home right about now. I’m sure he’ll be completely dead and jetlagged beyond belief. I have that to look forward to myself in a few weeks. ~_~ Ah well, I won’t think about that now…I’ll simply enjoy my time here. :3

I get sleepy so easily here…with all the cuddling and hugs and shoulder/head massages it’s no wonder I drift off so easily. I also haven’t been sleeping for very long at night (the insanely loud birds here have a tendency to wake me up) so that contributes heavily. Things could be much worse. :3

Yesterday was Jon’s last day here so we wanted to pack as much stuff in as possible. So we met up with Julesenrosey, Will, Siska, Ivan and Ross at the Galleria. Rose helped me pick out a swimming suit (something relatively modest, at least to the degree that I won’t have excess cleavage problems) and we had lunch in the food court. We took a bunch of photos and then some woman approached us and told us it was a security breach to be taking photographs. WTF? In a mall food court?! Anyhow…after consuming food stuffles we went to a souvenir shop where Jon bought some creahp to take back to his family. I got a few things for myself too, but I think I’ll hold off on my purchasing of the majority of my stuff till later. I got a somewhat decent leather wallet embossed with the outline of Australia on it. We laughed at the copious use of Comic Sans on many of the items and the fact that some of the wallets there actually said “Australia Souvenir” on them.

Man, it’s so difficult to remember what else happened…

In the evening we decided to go see a double feature movie showing which included “Tonari no Totoro” and “Porco Rosso.” We had Subway for dinner then went to see the movies. The theatre itself was pretty nice…really really comfortable seats with padded arm rests and excessive leg room between the rows. It was exciting seeing Totoro in the theatre with a crowd of people who clearly already loved it…there really is something about being in an environment like a theatre versus watching it at home on DVD. It was wonderful. I started drifting off during the second movie but it wasn’t really as interesting to me as Totoro so I suppose that’s okay. I just enjoyed the time spent with the people I love so it was completely worth it. As we left the theatre I got really cold and shivery as I always do after a movie (despite the temperature…and I have no clue why) so I got laughed at a bit and warmed up on the drive home.

When we got back Ross and I watched Six Feet Under with Kate (this was the first time I’d actually seen the show on television!) so that was fun. The reception on that channel was shit, but that was fine since I’d already seen the episode. The guys set up their computers on the kitchen table to play multiplayer games and trade files and I fell asleep on the couch. I had a horrible nightmare about missing a class in college for an entire semester which prevented me from graduating and woke up after Jules accidentally elbowed me in the arm. I joined them in the dining area for a bit and Jules gave me this head massage that messed up my hair in the worst possible way. Luckily it didn’t take a whole lot of effort or discomfort to get rid of the mess so it was all good. I’m sure there are some hideous photographs somewhere in Jon’s directory. (Or there will be.)

We messed around for awhile until we had to take Jon to the airport. It was strange seeing him go already since it seems like we just got here a few days ago. It’s rather a shame he couldn’t stay longer but it’s better than nothing. I think he had a pretty good time here. After we saw him off, we came back and had a cup of tea then Jules went home and we all went to bed. (Sometime after 7AM I think.) I probably should have slept a bit longer but some dude came to fix the doors in Ross’s house and the dogs woke me up. Oh well. I’ll prolly drift off again tonight if we’re just sitting around. That’ll just give Ross more opportunity to giggle at me. X3

I’m having a fantastic time here. Everything feels so good and so right. Happy~~~~

Yesterday we finally got a bit of warmer weather. So far it’s been fairly cool out so Jon and I haven’t really gotten much of a feel for real Australian weather. In the afternoon we went for a walk in Kings Park, which is this absolutely huge park across the street from Jules’ house. All of us except Ivan were wearing sandals and Ross managed to gouge up his foot with a twig. It’s amusing to observe his attitude towards pain and blood since it’s so similar to mine: “Meh.” We had ridiculously overpriced food from the touristy kiosk at the top of Mt. Eliza (the highest point in Perth) and we sat in the shade and enjoyed the breeze and the view (courteously blocked off by fences and construction equipment.) We climbed up DNA tower (this metal tower with two sets of spiraling staircases that resemble a double helix.)

The guys (smartly) decided to take a swim at Jules’ place after that since we were all pretty sweaty but they couldn’t rustle up a suit for me to wear so I had to sit on the edge of the pool with my legs in. That was just fine though because Jules dove in and splashed me quite extensively, so it was as if I’d been in.

Later on we went shopping for food stuffles so Ross could make his famous puos eldoon (noodle soup for those of you unaware)…I couldn’t even finish half of mine because he’d heaped so much in my bowl. Big shocker though considering how much I normally eat. ^^; I’ve gotten many an opportunity now to demonstrate my deep and commanding ability to blast out the loudest of belches, which always seem to cause a round of giggles and comments of “Man, I thought that was *Ross*.” Hah. Apparently I’m good competition for Ross’s stepsister Kate who up till now has been reigning queen of the trucker belch.

The fresh air and all the exercise while walking in the park rather wore us out (Jon and I especially.) I’m pretty accustomed to taking a nap in the afternoon if I’ve gotten up relatively early (which I have been most of this week) so in the evenings I get pretty sleepy. I ended up falling asleep against Jules for awhile last night and after he left, against Ross. They laughed at my twitchiness again as I sleep. ~_~ I can’t help it…

Not much time left here for Jon. He leaves tomorrow morning at 6:10 AM (dear lord that’s early!) I harbor a strong suspicion that we won’t be sleeping tonight simply because getting up that early will be damned near impossible unless we haven’t gone to bed yet. I think today we’re planning on going shopping for a bit, then meeting up with Will after his exam and possibly going to see a double header movie tonight (Miyazaki films from what I gather.) Should be fun. Not sure if I’ll be staying at Ross’s place till tomorrow or till the end of the week (when Rose finishes with exams.) Poor girl…I haven’t gotten to see much of her because of all the work she’s had to do. :-(

Check photos directory…should be more stuff up now. Not sure when other peeps will upload theirs though, so you’ll find a lack of pictures of me. Oh well.

My mouth is almost completely healed from the scalding spring roll, but now my finger joints are becoming bruised from all the massages I’ve been giving. ^^;; Haaah…but it’s so worth it. :3

There’s something to be said about staying up so late until you can no longer stand it. Immediate benefit: the amusement of the person right next to you when you actually doze off and jerk yourself awake. Other benefit: extremely deep and comfortable slumber. Mmm. Again Ross and I stayed up quite late just spending time together, enjoying the closeness we’re finally able to share.

These friends of mine are just so fantastic and amazing. I am so incredibly happy here with them, just being able to spend time together, eat good food, and watch good stuff. Things are exactly as I’d imagined they would be, and it’s really as if we’ve been together all this time instead of separated by so much distance. Last night I really felt a closeness to both Ross and Jules that I’d known was there, but hadn’t yet seen completely. I felt like we finally all pushed past the slight apprehension and shyness and we were just there with each other, enjoying the moment.

Ross made us tortellini for lunch and after awhile Jules came over and grabbed us and we headed back to his place. We watched Ross play a bit of NFSU2 after which Juu, Ivan, and Jon went to get Rosey and shopping for dinner supplies. Ross and I stayed back and watched a few episodes of Spaced and when they came back, they started cooking up some BBQ (including chicken sausages and something called “Lamb Delight” for Rose.) We had a few Aussie beers (which, btw, are excellent) and ate out by Jules’ pool. The food and company were absolutely wonderful and I began to feel my introversion slipping away. We were chatty and giggly and just overall in wonderful spirits. We watched an episode of Top Gear and people started getting sleepy so we decided to go outside again for a bit…and then on Jules’ suggestion, he, Ivan, and Jon hopped into the cold pool. That succeeded in waking them up pretty well, and we went back inside and watched a few Radiohead videos until Jules’ parents came home. After that we went back to Ross’s place and watched another episode of Top Gear (during which Jules and I gave each other a relaxing shoulder massage) and part of a second, then Jules and Ivan headed home.

Jon decided he was pretty tired so he got ready for bed so Ross and I cuddled on the couch for a few hours or so (it’s so easy to lose track of time.) My arms and neck are aching from all the hugging I’ve done the past couple days…such a wonderful ache… X3

Things really couldn’t be more wonderful than they have been. I don’t for one second regret coming here, it’s been worth the wait and the cost and the anxiety and all those other trifling details. guu

Today’s pran involves a walk and lunch in Kings Park but beyond that there’s not much going on. But no matter, I care not what we do as long as I can be with the people I love so much.

Yesterday was quite a bit more coherent to me than my first evening here. I got enough sleep and was able to interact with people a whole lot better. Hopefully I was a more fun companion than the previous day. ^^;;

We began the day by heading out for dim sum, which was a new experience for me (meeting up with Will and Siska as well–who, I must confess, I met the afternoon I arrived here but forgot to mention, among many other things…but forgive me, I was completely exhausted.) I burnt my mouth pretty terribly on a spring roll so it’s pretty sore today, but at least there’s feeling back in my tongue again. Eegh. Based on other people’s descriptions, I decided against eating chicken feet but I got some amusement from watching Jules and Paul eat them. We spent most of the afternoon shopping in the city. Rosey saw Terry Pratchett signing books in one of the shops and got all excited and ended up following him later on (while we trailed behind her going “Where are we going?”)

I went to an ATM and withdrew some Aussiebux, which are cool to look at. It’s funny showing off American dollars and having people actually be interested, but at the same time it’s a strange feeling looking at this foreign currency and realizing that I can’t identify the value of the coins by the size and shape. Being in a place where things are similar but just slightly off makes me feel a lot like a child, discovering things for the first time. We ended up in a CD/DVD shop and we looked for Black Books on DVD but the shop people said it won’t be in till next week. Man…things are so cheap here, it’s unbelievable. They had Six Feet Under seasons 1 and 2 for like $42AUD each, whereas they are $98USD back in the states. With the exchange rate, that amounts to something like 1/4 of the price. WTF? I will most definitely be buying some DVDs here and seeking out a region free player. It’s not just media either, food is a lot cheaper too…it’s rather hilarious to me.

For some reason it’s difficult for me to remember what all happened yesterday…I’m sure I’ll leave things out, leave out people…so don’t feel bad if I’ve left something/someone out. XD

We had dinner at the Subiaco markets, which is a tradition for Julesenrosey on Friday nights. I got some Chinese food, but there was too much of it so I needed help eating it. There was much amusement as I used the term “soda” to describe Coke…I find it pretty funny when someone will stop me mid-sentence to giggle at something I’ve said, something completely commonplace to me. I’m becoming accustomed to either having to guess at terms the Aussies use based on context or having to ask them to explain it to me, but it’s not turned around in the other direction too often. Something I definitely have never experienced before.

After dinner we came back to Ross’s place and played some Warioware (heh) then watched some Spaced while Jules took Rosey home. (I think…the timeline is all messed up in my head) After that we watched the first episode of Black Books. Jules gave me a shoulder massage, which was really nice. :3 Eventually we watched Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, but it was so warm and I’d had a beer and was getting pretty sleepy so I dozed off towards the end and missed a good chunk of the movie. I woke myself up with a jerk and because I was sandwiched between Jules and Ross on the couch, I startled them too. That is a tad embarrassing when it happens, but most people seem to find it amusing or cute so it’s all good. XD

Jules went home and we all planned on going to bed because Rose wanted to go to the Terry Pratchett book signing early, but we ended up staying up fairly late watching an episode of Top Gear with Bill Bailey in it…which is actually a very amusing show even for people who don’t know anything about cars (like me.) So of course Ross was right about knowing I’d enjoy it. X3

After that we decided we were all pretty tired and we should call it a night. Ross and I stood there holding each other, hugging, drinking in the warmth and strength of each other’s arms, and just enjoying the moment of just being there with each other. It was just incredible…being with him feels so right, and I feel so complete wrapped up in his embrace. We must have stood there for a good half hour or 45 minutes…maybe more? I have no idea…I lost all concept of time. Basically we stood there wrapped up in each other until our legs literally began collapsing beneath us. It was just an incredible feeling. happysigh

It’s so wonderful to experience an expectation about someone that proves to be exactly as I’d imagined. This is true of everyone here so far, but that’s not really too terribly surprising considering how well I’d known everyone before coming here. It’s just comforting though, to confirm that things are just right, and just what I’d hoped for. :3

I’m very happy. I love these people so incredibly much. guuuuu

I think today is BBQ @ Jules’ but beyond that I have no idea. More later! :-D (As usual, check the photos dir for daily updates)

So here I am on the other side of the world. I can’t believe I made it this far…it’s nearly incomprehensible when I think about it. The trip itself really wasn’t as bad as I was expecting. At the first security check my belt set off the metal detector so I got wanded and felt up by some security chick, which was more funny than anything. Jon also got wanded for some unknown reason…so I dunno. I think the most stressful of all the things that happened was figuring out where to go at LAX. We flew in on a domestic flight through United but then had to transfer to the international terminal to get on Qantas, which of course in an airport of that size is in a completely separate building. I spent most of my time in Los Angeles staring into space with the classic “deer in headlights” look, and thank god Jon was there or I would have probably gone catatonic.

Unlike any of the other flights, Jon and I were seated together on the 15 hour one, which was comforting. There was a retired nurse sitting on my right who was this tiny old woman so it was actually quite comfortable (no excess flesh bulging over into my seat or anything like that) The flight attendants were very lively and happy people who truly seemed to enjoy their work. Two of them were guys about my age as a matter of fact, which I found refreshing (there doesn’t seem to be a stigma attached to being a male flight attendant here.) They were very accommodating and came by with a full meal not once but twice (dinner and breakfast)…and the booze was free. The headrest of the seat in front of each person had a video screen in it so everyone could choose what they wanted to watch. There were tons of movies, tv shows, and even video games to play (though the screen was a bit too close for comfortable playing so I didn’t spend too much time doing that.) Mine was tuned to the flight path map for most of the time it was on. At an appropriate time they turned the lights off and most people passed out. I kept waking up intermittently because it was a bit awkward sleeping that many hours upright, but I think I got about 7 hours total. The time passed rather fast indeed.

When we got into Melbourne, customs was pretty simple and it went reasonably fast, but then when we went to get our luggage Jon couldn’t find his. Guh. It had gotten lost somewhere between LA and Melbourne…so that was just great. I guess they’ll be delivering it here today once the Perth airport gets it. Anyhow, the flight from Melbourne to Perth seemed pretty damned short after being on the plane as long as I had. They played “Anchorman” so I watched that and had a laugh before it was time to land.

I have surprised myself immensely during this whole time with the way I’ve been uncharacteristically calm about everything. When I first decided to take the trip so many months ago, I was freaking out daily and crying a lot, but in the last couple weeks as I’ve become quiet and introspective and unusually composed. I wasn’t really sure whether to take that as a good sign or a bad one, but so far it’s seemed pretty good. That being said…

Meeting Ross and Jules and Rose was basically like I expected it to be…like coming home to old friends. It was slightly surreal for about one moment when I saw them standing there but then we all rushed at each other and there were hugs all around. Embracing Ross for the first time was just how’d i’d imagined…the warmth, the comfort, and the strength of it…it really did feel familiar and right. The same was true of both Jules and Rose as well…I’ve gotten to know these people so well over the last two plus years that finally meeting them in person was simply the final piece of the puzzle that’s been incomplete for so long. There was no weirdness or awkwardness…their faces and voices and personalities have been so familiar to me for so long… It was just wonderful. For some reason I’d thought Ross would be a tad taller than he was, so it was a pleasant surprise that he doesn’t tower over me by much at all. :-D Rose and I compared heights and hand/foot sizes…I’m like half an inch or so taller than her but otherwise we’re pretty close in size. Heh.

We went out for ice cream in the afternoon. There was a hideous sign in the shop decorated with Comic Sans and I had to turn my back to it so I could actually enjoy my double chocolate oreo. I got to ride in Ross’s mini-van for the first time. My god is that thing tiny. And old. When I say minivan I don’t mean like a Dodge Caravan or something like that, it’s just this TINY little thing. A MINI. I tower over it. Hah. It’s very loud and Ross drives really fast as if it’s some kind of racecar…which no one would ever mistake it for. :-D Fun.

After that I began sort of fading. I had no concept of how long I’d been awake at that point and I was way too tired to even begin to try to calculate it. I sort of drifted my way through the rest of the evening…everything felt really distant and echoey, as if I was inside a dream. Ross’s folks made us dinner and tried to get us to drink this stuff they call “spazz juice.” I was too tired to be daring so I had a Coke instead. We collected in the tiny room to play video games after eating, but I just had nothing left in me and I ended up passing out. It was only like 8:30PM so I felt pretty bad having to bail that early but as Jules said…it was no fun talking to me when I stopped responding. They shuffled me off to bed so they could have the couch space back to play Guilty Gear XX. Ross came in and said goodnight and we shared a really long hug, by the end of which I was tearing up. Once I slipped into bed I began crying as everything just hit me at once. I was actually on the other side of the world…I’d made it here, I was with the people I care so much about, and this was no longer just some far-off dream. That was basically the first demonstration of any real emotion I’d had in days so it was something of a relief to me that I hadn’t frozen up inside. I felt more like myself then, and I was able to sleep peacefully. I vaguely remember Jon coming in the room and going to bed but I have no idea when it was.

I got like 11 hours of sleep and when I got up Jon was already awake. It felt so great to be able to shower after two days on airplanes, I really really needed it. I wish I hadn’t felt so gross when I met them for the first time (nasty greasy airplane hair and whatnot) but I’m sure it was understandable after all. In any case, I feel so much better and more like myself today. I think we’re meeting up with Jules and Rose for dim sum this afternoon and Jules should be dropping by soon to bring Jon another tshirt to wear until his luggage shows up. It’ll be interesting seeing the city since we’ve only been in the suburbs so far. Everything here seems so old to me…the houses, the streets. It’s so bizarre looking at the street signs since the only ones that are familiar are the green highway signs and the stopsigns. Everything else just looks odd. Plus riding in the car is strange because obviously they drive on the opposite side of the road and the driver’s seat is on the right instead of the left. As a passenger I felt like I was driving but not…strange sensation. But it didn’t last too long…by the end of the day I’d grown pretty accustomed to being on the left side and no longer feared Ross was about to drive me into oncoming traffic. :-D

All in all, things here are going quite well, and I haven’t regretted my decision to come here at all. The accents are yummy too, but I really fear that by the end of the month they’ll begin sounding commonplace to me. I haven’t started talking that way yet but my concentration has been pretty lacking to say the least. Plus having Jon here makes it easier to stay with my own accent. Once he’s gone I’m sure it’ll be different.

Oh yeah, lots of photos were taken yesterday, so check the photos directory sometime soonish to see some of the stuff that went on.