I apologize for not having written a whole lot recently, but I’ve had very little time to myself (as one might imagine.) I have been uploading my photos daily though, so if you keep an eye on those you can get an idea of what happened that day.

Anyhow…the other day Ross and Jules took me to Fremantle, this touristy place not too far outside of Perth. We ate lunch in a food court there (chicken karaage, yum) and walked around a bit, looking at some of the shops. There were too many people around so it was kind of crowded but still nice. A lot of the buildings in Fremantle are old-looking, and the storefronts reminded me a lot of downtown Oshkosh. It was a nice afternoon.

Also, I spent a good portion of one of the days with Ross, which was really, really nice. It felt so wonderful to be close to him again, and to have some time alone with him without other distractions. We spent most of the time in the city, which was great. I suggested having lunch at a place we’d never eaten at before just for some variety (Perth is not lacking in food establishments in the least!) so we tried this oriental place not far from where we parked. Mmmm, the food was so yummy. I felt like looking at the clothing in shops because the designs of the surfie-type look intrigue me. The grungy, falling-apart, random-typography look is so prevalent here, whereas at home it’s non-existent. I didn’t really find anything I liked though, so I didn’t buy anything. I got a shitload of CDs from JB’s though. (Brian, I have Phoenix and Tripod for you so far…haven’t found Black Books yet.) We also had bubble tea together and peeked in a tiny little goth shop (like a mini Hot Topic.) I know its been really difficult for Ross with me being here but that day seemed to cheer him up at least for a little while.

Aside from a few shopping excursions, there really hasn’t been a whole lot of activity. We went for a few walks in Kings Park and went up the DNA tower (always lovely) but most of the time I’ve spent lounging around and cuddling with Jules. The last few days he’s had a really terribly sore neck so he’s been feeling pretty crappy, but that just means I’ll have more opportunity to take care of him and show him how much I love him.

We were going to have dinner out with Jules’ family last night but Ivan was feeling really sick so we decided to postpone that until Thursday. We ended up watching Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow yesterday (visually beautiful but utter crap) and Napoleon Dynamite. The other night we went to see the Batman movie, which was okay…a bit slow in the beginning but the second half had some nice action. The Batmobile was ugly. XD

Well, Ross has arrived and Jules just finished his shower so I think I should go now. Life is wonderful. :3

Things were going quite well yesterday until sometime mid-afternoon when my body decided it was time to crash. This would have been about the time that I would have been heading to bed at home so it’s fairly likely it was the jetlag hitting me. I guess I was fine the first day because of all the excitement but of course with that major of a reveral in schedule (13 hours difference) it has to creep up on me sometime.

I curled up in Jules’ bed for a bit while he and Ross went out to get some lunch then we watched Spaced when they got back. Jules made me this creamy chicken soup which was about all I could handle eating at the time. We went out for coffee and scones after that and then mucked about in JB’s (music/movies/entertainment store sort of similar to Best Buy without the appliances.) I was desperate for sleep when we got back so Ross took off and Jules and I had a little nap before dinner. I was extremely sleepy throughout the meal but I felt a bit better afterwards.

Jules and I had a quiet evening relaxing together, which is just what I needed. I got a decent amount of sleep so hopefully I’ll be energetic today. The weather is quite nice…very cool and damp from rain. I got to wear my trench coat yesterday which seemed to bring out several comments involving the word “cute.” X3

So here I am once again in beautiful Perth. :3 The weather is cool and comfortable…most everyone here thinks it’s too cold, but it’s like early fall temperatures in Wisconsin, so it’s nice for me.

Like I said in the previous entry, I had to catch a later flight out of Sydney, but it turned out not to be too bad because I had time to get something good (but overpriced) to eat and purchased 2.5 hours of wireless internet access for a whopping $34AUD. Even though that’s pretty much rape, I didn’t mind so much because I was able to pass the time talking to my friends on IRC, letting my parents know where I was and what the situation was, and talking to Jules on Skype. When I think of how that must have looked, it’s rather amusing as I was in an open area with about 5 seats. I was seated in the middle and there were people on either side of me, undoubtably wondering what on earth this American girl was doing talking sweetly to her laptop, giggling and having a grand old time. I wish I’d somehow gotten a video clip of that, but oh well. :D

The flight to Perth was a bit turbulent but I was still able to sleep through some of it. Since I’d eaten in the airport I didn’t feel like having lunch on the plane, but in my mind I kept picturing the flight attendant treating me the way Mrs. Doyle does everyone on Father Ted… “Are you sure you won’t have a cup of tea? Go on. Go on! Go on, go on, go on, go on….” But they left me alone to sleep in relative peace, so that was nice.

When I got into the terminal, I was expecting to see Jules and Ross waiting for me but they were nowhere to be seen so I went towards the baggage claim. And then, there was Ross at the bottom of the escalator, waiting for me. I rushed over to him and gave him a hug and the tears slowly leaked out. As I was enjoying the reunion with Ross, Ivan appeared behind me, then shortly after that, Julian. It felt so amazing to embrace each of them after all this time, and to be honest, even after that the situation didn’t feel real. We grabbed my luggage and headed out to Jules’ car, Jules clasping my hand within his. We kept glancing over at each other and smiling, both anticipating what was to come.

When we got back to Jules’ house I got to meet his Mum again, got to share a hug with her. :D Then we dropped my bags off in Jules’ room (where I’ll be staying) and exchanged gifts. Ross seemed to really appreciate the blanket I made for him as he spent the *entire* evening wrapped up completely in it (it’s large enough he can wrap it around his body two full times XD) We watched an episode of Black Books before dinner.

Dinner was fantastic. Jules’ dad made a chicken veggie stirfry with rice which was quite yummy. As you know if you’ve read my previous entries, I was quite concerned about getting to know Julian’s parents as their qualifications are unbelievably impressive and intimidating, but of course they were extremely kind and easy to talk to. I smiled and chatted away with everyone with great ease, and I didn’t find myself uncomfortable or nervous in the least. Actually, that’s something that’s been fairly consistent throughout this whole trip…I’ve been extremely calm about it all. Yes, I knew this was going to be the most amazing thing that I’ve ever experienced, but ever since I’d gotten myself past that self-imposed sickness due to anxiety, I’ve not let things get to me. Sure, I could have freaked out about missing my flights and all that, but I didn’t see the point. I knew I had positive energy following me and watching out for me, and that the airlines would do everything they could to make sure I got where I needed to go. The old Ann would have been weeping and shaking and throwing up…but I took it in stride and used the time to my advantage. Funny how people can change when circumstances become unbearable.

Ross was very happy to see me, which was readily apparent, but he also seemed to barely be holding himself together. I’d say I probably know him and understand him better than most people, so I could see it in his face. We shared a lot of hugs and friendly affection, I gazed into his eyes and smiled at him to let him know that despite everything that’s happened I still care deeply for him. I really enjoyed being close to him again, and I think this time that I’m here will help him get over what has happened in the past. I really look forward to spending time with him.

And Julian…ahh. :3 I’ve been comfortable and calm and confident since my arrival here…everything was so familiar about this place and the people, it all is still so fresh in my memory from the last time I was here (no doubt enhanced by the photos taken during that trip.) The one major thing that has changed is my relationship with Jules, quite obviously. I know he was quite nervous about being with me in this new way, but oddly I didn’t feel that way myself. In my mind I’ve already made the transition from being his friend to his girlfriend, so all it really took was actually being there with him in person for it to feel complete. It feels so natural and so right to me, so perfect. It feels like it was always meant to be this way.

We stayed up quite late watching Father Ted episodes followed by a live concert DVD of The Gathering and after lounging around a bit in Jules’ room we decided to call it a night, so we took Ross home. The goodnight lasted a really long time, as Ross was extremely reluctant to part ways. We shared many more hugs before he went inside, grasping tightly to the blanket.

After that Jules and I went up to Kings Park to look at the city lights at night. It was quite cool and breezy up there in the open air, but everything looked so beautiful and romantic. And there, the cityscape behind us, we shared our first kiss. *sigh* It affected me in a way I’ve never felt in my entire life…this aching and tingaling traveling all the way down to my feet. Happiness, bliss, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and delighted giggaling. As it was rather cool up there with the wind, we decided to head back home.

3AM crept around as he and I enjoyed our first moments alone together, and I must say that feeling this way now is worth *everything* I had to deal with to get where I am at this moment. I am so completely happy and content and in love in a way I have only ever dreamt of.

What a spectacular first day in Australia. :3

It rained lightly almost all night, which was absolutely beautiful. I was all cozied up under Jules’ blankets, looking out the window…strangely some parts of this still don’t seem real to me. I know, logically, that I am on the complete opposite side of the world, and that I came here to be with the man I love more than anything else, but for some reason, it doesn’t feel *that* extraordinary or strange. It just feels like home. :D

I think there’s talk of seeing the new Batman film today. Jules wanted me to go wake him up once I’m awake but I actually can’t bear to do that because I wanted a bit of time to write something and I want him to get enough sleep. (It’s still quite early in the morning here.) Hopefully we can go get some bubble tea this afternoon. :D

I guess I’ll see what I can do about uploading some photos. They’ll be in the same place as last time, which is here.

Okay, so I’ve missed another one of my flights and I’m stuck in Sydney for a couple extra hours…

I missed my original flight from Los Angeles so they put me on one that left a half hour later, and it seemed to be an overflow flight so there were tons of open seats…and thus, I was able to get a decent amount of sleep. So because of this, I was already later getting into Sydney, and the bus to transfer from international to domestic was stuck behind a plane so that took ages to clear up, and by then the flight had left. Immigration and customs went rather quickly so it wasn’t my fault… *sigh*

Ah well. At least Sydney has wireless available…for a fee. I paid for an hour…and so far it’s been well worth it. Might pay for another hour after this, depending on how long this battery lasts.

Huu…

I’ve been really busy the last week packing and cleaning and finishing up projects. Last Friday was my last day of work so I’ve spent this entire week getting myself ready for Perth and Seattle. There weren’t all that many events of note this week…Monday I got a haircut, Tuesday I finished Ross’s “IDLE” blanket, Wednesday I went over to my boss’s place with my coworkers for a goodbye party, yesterday I packed and cleaned my things from the basement, and today…

Ah today. Well, I met up with my old boss form Miles Kimball for lunch, which was great. We caught up a little and had some good pizza. After that I ran a few errands then spent the entire afternoon painting. God, I was in bliss…I lost track of time. But I finished the Jules painting! Now I just have to clean the fly poop off of the Ross painting and varnish them after they’re dry.

So…not too much left to do yet. I leave on Monday already. o.o Time sure does go by quickly. I guess this weekend will be more packing and cleaning, yay. Actually, I’m having a pretty good time doing it, so I don’t mind really. :D

That’s about as verbose as I can be right now, so more later. :3

Well, the painting anyhow. :)

Worked on Jules some more this evening…probably one more session left with him.

Like this.

And for scale.

Just had 5 inches cut off my hair…can you even tell? I doubt it. The woman cutting my hair remembered me from last time I had it cut, like 8 months ago, just before I went to Australia the first time. Funny, that…she remembered my hair and from that could recall other facts about me. Heh.

Also broke into Jon’s apartment and took the leftovers I forgot in his fridge on Saturday. That will be dins tonight.