Lay where you're laying, don't make a sound

Triple J's hottest 100 has once again zoomed by, reminding me of what I am missing: barbecue in scorching heat, radio blasting, time with aussie friends somewhere. BUT, this year wasnt too bad for Australia day.

We stayed with Kym and Benj for their last weekend in London (for the time being), partied a night away with a lot of aussies, and caught up with Evan on Australia day itself.

I was slightly disappointed to hear that Kings of Leon 'sex on fire' was the winner: While I dont mind the song, I don't particularly believe that it blew the rest away. But, being so far away, I have no idea what the radio plays at home (although, was quite nicely surprised to see that some great aussie stuff was up there in the top 10, along with my personal faves, MGMT).

This week has brought some agitated anticipation, along with the dreaded influenza (or one of his nasty cousins). Whilst tom is not-so-patiently waiting for his exam results (he has 2 of the 5), he became bed-ridden on Sunday, only to rise yesterday (when I started to experience some dizziness and interesting rattling noises).

So, in my jarmies, I decided to watch Michael Moore's 'Sicko'. Although I am not a real fan of his extremist, black and white documentary style, it once again made me appreciate where I live! I hope Australia isn't still turning into America, and have my fingers crossed that Ruddy is at least attempting to socialise Oz, just a wee bit more. It is fantastic to live in a country where you can go into the emergency department, have a broken arm, require surgery, and numerous visits - all for free - no matter how rich or poor! I am looking forward to the top notch medical care, free gynae appointments and ultrasounds, free physio and 6 months off paid when I get around to having a child. Free dentist too. Oh, and the government want to give me 3 extra days for our wedding. Thank god/allah/buddah that I am not an American. BUT, admittedly, it is very easy to be caught up in Michael Moore. Need to watch it with a huge amount of salt...

Have had a pretty good winter here. Not as bad as last year, but am thinking that the snow, plus the presence of family had a great deal to do with that. Both Tom and myself are already anticipating the summer here. I must sound like a broken record, but there really is nothing as magical as it (probably due to the stark contrast with the winter months, plus the presence of my work bonus, enabling us to live life a little more indulgently!).

Those of you who actually read our little blog, be sure to keep the 12th of September free - if you are in Belgium, my parents in law will be throwing our wedding for those of you who cannot make it to oz. 

I don't care about clever, I don't care about funny

Sometimes, I am sure all of us do it, I wake up and just think that life can be great. 

Today Emme left, leaving our apartment somewhat a little emptier and quieter, but I know she is moving on to bigger and better things, and now she is only a 2 hour train ride away as opposed to a 24 hour flight away.! I will miss her dearly, however, since our friendships seems to have blossomed a great deal over the past 3 months.

Mum left on Sunday, taking with her a heap of experiences through Belgium, Scotland, Ireland and Prague. While I can't post anything on here of her trips with Em, I will show some of the highlights of Prague...

This first one was quite eery and kinda summed up our entire experience of Prague: macabre (as mum so eloquently put it). Currently, the czech republic has been in the news with a great deal of focus on their sculptor/artist David Czerny. While he wasn't permitted to present his work during the communistic regime, he certainally has flourished since. If you look carefully, this first one looks like a man hanging from a window, and apparently hundreds of tourists notify 'authorities' every year about this guy. Wierd, but made us laugh!

This one is the astronomical clock located on the old city hall, and the little figurines on the sides dance (including one skeleton) for around 10 seconds every hour. Not sure why it is so important, but was quite nice.
Had to enclose another Czerny. Also wierd (very strong fascination with death, ghosts, myths etc). This one was just hanging in a shopping mall. Nice.
A little more less death orientated was our visit to the Dvorak hall to see the string section of Czech philharmonic playing some chamber music from Mozart and other composers, along with a concerto for Marimba with the most fascinating young Austrian performer. We paid next to nothing for our tickets, and had the most first class performance. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting (with a slight interest in classical music however!)

Mum and I went on two free walking tours through the city, and learnt more than we could have from the lonely planet. Were very content with our guide, and whilst it was FREEZING cold (-11°C), I thoroughly enjoyed what the city had to offer.

Next (after Tom has finished his exams: 2 to go...) - onto London, maybe back to the Netherlands, then Vienna, then home. Let's just hope that the histogenex bonus is healthy enough to support our indulgent habit...!

One step closer

It's official... Tom is actually attending our wedding! 

Today, we are once again a few euros lighter after booking his ticket (with confirmation from two more friends who also booked today - yay!). 

Next steps: Tom's suit, rings, paying off my dress (grrr!) and all the stuff mum wants to talk about!

It's been quiet around here since the other two Christiansen girls have taken off trecking around kilt-country, followed by Ireland, but am looking forward to seeing them again in a week in Dublin. At least Tom will have some much needed rest!

Have once again commenced my studies. This time have taken a totally different (and dare I say it - not yet as interesting) path but am keen to get into it again, even if it means less time with the beloved TV (ha!).