"Prince Charming"

The majority of my blog's have been centered around my travels and daily life in Australia. However, every once in a while I throw a bit of a random blog in. I suppose it's more of a way to express my feelings, without stepping on anyones toes. It's an OPINION, and whether you agree with what I have to say, or not that's fine too. It's okay not to agree with what the "norm" or "society" says. I also don't care if once you have read my thoughts you judge me, or view me differently. Again, I don't care because I am comfortable in my own skin and am 100% okay with that.

Lately, I have read a large amount of blogs focused around marriage and the reason behind saying "yes". First of all i'd like to thank all of my married friends for "sharing" these articles on Facebook, otherwise I would never read them (a little behind in the times, or so it seems :) ). But, I have to voice my own opinion on the things i've read and my reaction to those.

The majority of these articles start out with talking about trying to find a "prince charming" or a "knight in shining armor" and how these women have such high expectations when finding a spouse. They believe in "the one", because that is what society has taught them. Yet these women are voicing how it's not about those silly ideas. Instead it's about finding someone to love under God's word, and that our purpose for marriage is to please God.

Let me start by saying, yes, I am a believer in the Lord. Mainly because it's how I was raised, however I have made the CHOICE to believe. However, not everyone believes in God or even a higher power. And that is okay, I don't judge anyone for those feelings. But being said, that I am a believer I disagree with the article. Call me old fashioned or even stuck in a fairly tale, but I believe in marrying your ONE TRUE LOVE.

Clearly, I am not married so I can't write about this blog from that perspective but I can write about where I am now. I do believe in finding your soul mate, someone who makes you a better person, someone you can have those disagreements with but still find an understanding of each other, someone who takes the time to truly love you, someone you want to marry to not only make yourself happy but to make them equally as happy, someone who makes you laugh even in the saddest of times, someone who has similar interests, and just the opposite- have some things you don't quite fancy because that's okay too, or maybe they can show you something you never thought possible. Be vulnerable, allow someone to change your view on things, or don't, but be understanding of those feelings. You can't change someone but you can change their world.

I do understand putting God into the relationship. Many reasons as to why, but I don't want to blog about religion because I think that is a touchy subject with many. I believe if you find a partner whom you can share the same beliefs and dreams with you can focus on things that make your relationship last forever with or without God in your lives.

Yes, I watch the "bachelor" and or "bachelorette" regularly. Do I believe in the system, no. Do I watch it and hope they find their one true love, yes. I think we all do. Maybe I am naive in believing in a one true love. But when I look at my grandparents, I know it's real. I've been raised in an environment where i've seen all sides of marriage, the good, the bad, and the ugly. But, it's what has made me who I am. I have a voice. I have an opinion.

I use to think that happiness was something you could find. Often believing that a man would make me the happiest. No. No. NO. To find your true love, you first must find yourself. You have to know who you are, what you want and where you want to be. You have to love yourself and find your own happiness. Happiness is something we all search for, but start first by searching from within. You can create an unlimited amount of happiness for you. Don't wait for that prince charming to swoop you up and make you happy, because even believing in that fairy tale will go nowhere if you don't believe, love and are happy with just you and you alone.

Once you find your own happiness and own life you will be ready to spread the love to others. That is when you will be blessed with conversations, a best friend, a one true love. Don't "settle" with someone to get married because everyone else is. Keep your standards high and follow your own heart.

Cheers
A

Winter days

Winter days..

Hello to my readers (so all 3 of you), it is time for another blog from the Kansas gal down under. I can't believe this will be my 4th month in Australia, time is flying by and i'm enjoying every minute. I will say, this month I started feeling just a little homesick. Our winter months have started, although it is still very mild, with day time temperatures in the high 50's low 60's. Very comfortable and actually enjoyable as far as winters go. While it is getting into the cooler months, friends and family at home have started summer months. One thing I will always love about Kansas is the summer months, at times it can be sooo hot and almost miserable. However, it's always been the simplistic life that I love. Friends, family, grilling out, lake and a little dirt road is where summers unfold. I will always remember the good times i've made over the years, and it keeps me positive in knowing that my true friends and family will be home when I return to continue making unforgettable memories.

While I have those memories to be thankful for, i'm even more excited about the things i've experience so far in Oz. While my routine has stayed the same tending to the children, and i've enjoyed countless laughs with Leanne, I have also had a little "off time" to travel outside of Williamstown. I have now been to Cairns (great barrier reef) twice now. My first time traveling to Cairns we experienced a cyclone-- just my luck. However, it was so nice to relax and hang out with a few mates. My second trip was a lot more productive. The weather was a bit rainy towards the start, however my last few days were filled with sunshine. (Yes, it is winter up north as well- however it remains in the 80's+ year round).  I was able to finally do a few touristy things, getting to hold koalas, pet/feed kangaroos and walking amongst other australian animals.

Not only was I able to interact with the animals I was able to try a few of Australia's animal cuisines as well. (Sorry, had to). Jim and I went to a very nice restaurant where I tried octopus, barramundi, emu, water buffalo, kangaroo and crocodile. For those of you who don't know, I wouldn't consider myself to be "picky" however i've never been a fan of seafood along with a few other things. Yet, I enjoyed everything I tasted- except for the Octopus. Texture was too weird for me, couldn't like it haha.

Aside from experiences I have also learned a lot over these last few months away. One thing in particular.. I have had soooo many friends comment on how awesome it is that i've traveled/ living in Australia. They say how envious they are, wishing they could do the same, etc. And I don't say that to brag, i'm repeating it because if I can do this, anyone can. Yes, it can be difficult to be so far from home. Yes, I miss my friends and family very much. Yes, it's hard to get adjusted to a new place, new home, new country. Yes, YOU CAN DO IT :). It is worth it. I am sooo happy I chose to travel and experience these moments. Life is short, life is what you make of it. Don't wait around wishing for life to happen, it's happening every day but it's up to you to make the most of it.

This experience has made me realize how big the world really is, and how you can experience things you never thought possible. I have realized that before this adventure, I had done some traveling here and there but not nearly enough. To travel is something that touches the soul above all else. For me it fills a void that i've longed for. A true happiness. I have plans to travel throughout my remainder time in Australia; Sydney, Brisbane and New Zealand just to name a few. But my travels won't stop there. I will continue to see the world and experience new things. I am thankful that i've realized this at my age so I can continue to make the most of my life.

"I always wonder why birds choose to stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on earth, then I ask myself the same question."

Cheers- A

                                                             Melbourne Night Lights