and then i stopped blogging because i suck.

Haven't been writing, as the 'vacation phase' is over-- and the 'getting shit together phase' has been in full gear. In short? I love it here. Love it love it love it love it. This is exactly where I needed to be, and at exactly the right moment.
In the first week, I've managed to sort out: new banking account. new cell phone. new home. new job. and, while it's taking a bit more time *naturally then the rest of it--- new friends are in the making.

Today I went to the park with a new pal from New Zealand--- then house hunted with my favorite new German guy: Thomas. If things tomorrow morning work out, we'll be living together, with another gal from Sydney--- merely 5 minutes from the beach, and 10 minutes from the 'city center'--- where I now sling cocktails for Aussies.

Oh my god, i love it here. More to come... someday maybe?

and then i was straight chillin'

Color me ready and waiting folks.

I'm officially watching the clock. Sitting here at (go on, judge) Starbucks-- where the coffee still sucks, but the internet is free... Tonight? Probably some celebratory beers, followed by some necessary packing... then tomorrow: a flight to Tokyo, then to Gold Coast, then finally to Melbourne.

In short, I'll be living at various airports for the next two days--- The good news: after innumerable years purchasing spontaneous flights to the other side of the globe- I've finally developed my

'How-to-not-feel-totally-disgusting-after-37+-hours-showerless-in-airplanes' survival pack.
Are you ready? The secrets I'm about to reveal may in fact blow your fucking mind.

* tooth brush and paste. total life saver.
* lotion--- skin gets soooo dry with all that circulated plane air
* an extra pair of clean underwear. incredible.
*2 or 3 half finished novels-- assuming you can't find a Vogue in english anywhere
* that just-dusted-off journal. you know, for any last minute fits of introspection.
*and finally-- for that long-awaited arrival at 'THE' destination? some mascara and lip gloss. duh.

who says I'm not the nest building nurturing type! go fuck yourself!

sweaty and wasted. and apparently with a knife?

Fun times with ipod lights and exposed flash settings....

Some last minute pics--- good times with good people. I'll save the 'Japan In Conclusion' blog for one of my many layovers tomorrow... I'll have a lot of time to 'process, filter and regurgitate.'