UPDATE: 91 days and counting!

The day is drawing near! Only 91 days to go until I board that plane to Oz. It seems like just yesterday that I learned I was going, so this is getting crazy. A few updates and random facts:

• After talking to my host family, I have learned that it is indeed likely that I will see a kangaroo bounding across the horizon...I can't wait.
• They also assure me that Australia is not the deathtrap that the Discovery Channel makes it out to be...I hope they aren't just trying to make me feel better. :)
• They are planning to take me to a lovely place called Hervey Bay, a mecca for whale watching. It looks spectacular. Perhaps I will run into the crew from Whale Wars. 
• I will be spending time working with Maroochy Waterwatch, a local watershed organization. This is a great opportunity to help me to meet some people and build my skills in preparation for grad school. Here is their website if anyone is interested.  http://www.maroochycatchmentcentre.org.au/ 
• I have learned that a "jumper" is a light jacket. 
• 3 of us have our birthdays during a week and a half span in September. It will be a glorious time of celebration.
• I suck at converting from Fahrenheit to Celsius.
• I've been meaning to get to this for awhile. Sorry for those who have been waiting! This is the website if you are an American citizen who wishes to apply for a Working Holiday visa for Australia. You have to meet specific age and education requirements. http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-holiday/462/usa/
• I just applied for graduation. (I realize this isn't Australia related, but it's exciting)
• Life is good.

Hello!

Hi everyone!

I'm very excited to announce that I will be embarking on the journey of a lifetime this July. I am moving to Australia's Sunshine Coast to work as an au pair for an absolutely lovely family. Since I have never been to Australia before, this will be quite an adventure. I'm really looking forward to saying farewell to the constant Oregon rain and hello to the sunny beach life, making lifelong friends in the process! What could be better? This blog will be updated with photos and stories for all of my friends and family back home. I will miss you all very much!
xoxo
Alex

 Image: Google Maps

Mooloolaba Beach

Image: lavidaocean.com