I had the pleasure of staying with my delightful cousin Judith, her partner and their three incredible kids. Who were apparently excited that I was coming to visit, even though they had no idea who I was. "She is family" - that is probably the only way a kid is going to register their relation to their Mum's Aunts Daughters daughter :) "Family will do".
I didn't fit the kitchen sink but I fit the kitchen's water filter.
Staying with Jude was great fun! And also a great reinforcement as to why I will, like Jude, wait until at least 30 to have kids! That way I can have adventures like this one. After going crazy on my way down, I cannot imagine how much harder those 800km would have been with 3 kids in the back! Well, they would have had to sit on the roof in this instance! I was so grateful to hang out with CJ (the only one crazy enough to be up this morning to have breakfast with me before I left!), India and Tammy. The last time I saw these brilliant children was a few days after Tammy was born - and now she is an 18month old, gorgeously ginger Dragon. She danced more last night than girls do in clubs!
Being a Dietitian has its perks. I can eat a bacon egg and cheese muffin and convince myself its "good for me" as protein won't make me sleepy like carbs do for the roadtrip!
I had intended on leaving by about 6.30am to avoid "soccer mum" traffic, but it was way too cold. And then I realised I am moving to Melbourne. Get used to it Renee! It took a good hour to get out of Sydney even though the traffic was mild and then it was pretty smooth sailing. Especially compared to yesterday!!!
20km out from my great-grandmothers house I go from 110km/hr to nothing. Turns out a semi had decided that it was bored on its side of the road and drove over the OPPOSITE bank and laid down for a rest. On its side. I said a little prayer as I passed!
Slightly ironic that Lisa's playlist "Fireman's panties" was playing as I passed the local fire and rescue crew only 10km from the semi incident.
Today there was a lot more nothing. Like significantly more. It was a little depressing when I checked the GPS and it said "turn left in 550km". Well....! My phone charger broke... in my hands... while driving. So all my great photos will need to go onto the next blog as my phone is as dead as the wombat I saw on the road! And I believe there are some videos of me singing whatever happened to be on my iPod with the facial expressions that can only come with being delusional. Driving yesterday for 800km was not too bad - there were things along the way to look at, there were regular towns to drive through, there were winding roads and plenty of photo ops. Today - there was highway. And sheep. I have no clue how the truckies do it (well, I do have a clue but I like to think that they don't all succumb to artifical stimulation). I have always thought that I would do OK if I ever ended up in solitary - or if I lived in a cave by myself, but by the end of it I was sending snapchats of me delusional and singing to the delightful Dom in Adelaide because I knew at least she knew what I was going through, having driven alone from Adelaide to Brisbane last year. Lovely Lisa Allen created a bunch of mixtapes (who needs a highschool boyfriend when you have lifelong friends!) and I absolutely relished every song she chose out for me. Particularly the hilarious "if I didn't have you" by Tim Minchin, back to back MJ and a rap song about a guy who has breakfast in the afternoon at a cafe even though the toast is always soggy.
A part of me, I admit, did toy with the idea of "what would happen if I just turned around". Especially because with no one else to talk to, and nothing to distract me, I was left with just my thoughts. But then of course my logical part of my head (as well as my heart!) reminded me that considering the distance I had covered, it would LITERALLY be harder to go back to the past than continue into my unknown future. ..... So I kept putting one foot in front of the other (well, in this case, one rotation of the tyre) and kept moving forward. It is easier to be brave when you have no other option!!!
For certain, the music was the only thing keeping me sane on this trip.
Strawberry fields forever...
Well, mostly. By the end of the trip, I was having conversations with my iPod (that is only slightly less sad than moving my rear vision mirror to reflect myself so I felt like I had company). Turns out my iPod is either a great friend who lies to make me feel better or psychic. Our convo went a little something like this as we were driving into Melbourne:
Me: So "Tiki's iPod" - how do you think I will feel living in Melbourne?
iPod: "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.
Me: Touche. Well that is a comforting thought. What do you think will happen in my first year of being in Melbourne?
iPod: "She will be loved" by Maroon 5.
Me: Ha! Well I am OK with that. Thanks for the confidence boost - especially since you know that would be the icing on the cake (the cake being an awesome life and career, of course). What if I freak out though? A part of me almost wants to turn back. I am a little nervous. Am I being silly?
iPod: "Dare to Live" by Andrea Bocelli.
Me: Nope. You are right. This is an adventure - and I kick ass when I am in a new environment overseas. It should be even easier since I know the customs and language! Thanks iPod!
But after being on the road for 12 hours, and having been made an espresso martini by Jess, I am ready for bed!
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