Internet at Home

Today I finally got internet at my apartment, so I thought it would be appropriate to write up a blog entry. (Rane, I apologize in advance for typos in my entries... I just assume that writers can't stand them ;)  )

There are exactly 23 hours until Brad's plane arrives in Brisbane. It will be such a relief to have him here. My friends and family have been very supportive these last few months, but it will be nice to have his arms to fall into.

Winter has begun to close in here in Brisbane. Sure it's not a true winter with proper snow and much shorter days, but it does still have its chilly bite! The wind was howling today and making the inside of the apartment feel more like the inside of a walk-in fridge. Luckily my parents went to Istanbul a handful of years ago and met some nice friends that live in in Brisbane. They have been a huge savior, and will be loaning me and Brad a heater for the apartment. I'll also be finding better ways to block the cold air from coming under doors and through window cracks in the coming days. I must really, deep down like winter... because this is the second time I've created an "endless winter" for myself. The first time was when I moved to Brisbane in February '06 for grad school. I really do hope I get to stay here for a few months of Aussie summer. I suppose I'll have to see which way the wind blows me, and of course talk with Brad about it. It's been a year of decision making so far, that is for certain!

I've learned a lot in the last few years, and every day I learn at least one more thing. Last night while having dinner with a few friends (my first hosted dinner at my new place) I learned that I shouldn't pick-up the caterpillars I've been finding in my apartment, I should instead find a piece of paper to pick them up with to put them outside with. These very hairy caterpillars love my apartment and I find at least one of them daily. According to my friend they may be a type of caterpillar that can give you a rash http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au/faqs/sting.html. I'll need to get a good picture of one of these caterpillar so that I can identify it. Oh Australia... you're just full of creatures that have very good defense mechanisms...some that can kill you, but a lot that will give you very itchy bumps and rashes! Dang it!