Scary Dam

For my birthday we enjoyed a weekend away to Eaglereach Wilderness Resort near Barrington Tops.  I felt like a very lucky girl.  (Will think of some very nice rewards for UB for being so good.)  Urban Hunk organised a secluded lodge on the mountain's edge of the resort overlooking Barrington tops.

After a race to the top of the mountain, which was absolutely terrifying because it was pitch black, a very steep hill with a curvy dirt road and no lights, I hope we didn't kill any wild life, we made check-in just in time.  To reduce my heart rate I needed a drink and dinner.  It just so happened the owner of the Treehops Restaurant was Richard Branson's former chief so we enjoy a divine dinner following the rally race up the moutain.

Pitch black and no lights we looked for our lodge number on a wooden post.  It was a very bumpy dirt road and we followed it a short distance to the mountain's edge.  A great way dispose of some one if you don't like them.  I stayed tucked behind UB incase there were any spiderwebs or insects that was to surprise us.  I couldn't wait till morning to see where we were, it was just so dark.

Sleep would've been good but we had a party animal in the house.  It danced on the floor when the lights went out.  I poked Urban Hunk asking him to turn the light on.  He sigh, there was no use he told me.  With me not sleeping he humoured me and switched the lamp on.  The noise stopped.  We couldn't see any thing.  I was to scared to go the bathroom so I made UrbanHunk come with me and wait outside the door.  Naturally, I checked the toilet first for snakes or spiders because I'm guessing that fly screens don't keep them out.  Then I raced back to bed.  Snuggled in again, off went the lamp.  On went the little critters night time dancing.  It was running across the floor.  How am I going to sleep?  Just say it jumps on the bed?  Just say it gets in the bed?  From sheer exhaustion I finally fell asleep.

Warily I looked at the bottom of the bed, phew, no marsupial watching us.  I looked out the floor to ceiling glass window to a spectacular view of the Barrington Tops.  We were a secluded lodge and from our verandah we saw out to the ranges, it was so peaceful, like we were a million miles away.  I think our phones would even be out of service from this spot.

The resort had walking tracks, a lush rainforest with some very ancient trees, volcanic rock formations, large lagoon and wildlife to observe.  We spent the day exploring the area and booked in a massage for the afternoon.  My limbs were heavy and so relaxed I tripped and slipped three times like an old lady in a slippery bath before making it back to the lodge.

Tonight I was prepared for our critter.  I wanted to leave the bathroom light on to spot him.  Ofcourse this didn't work and I fell fast asleep tucked in to Urban Hunk.  Heaven.

We had breakfast at the Restaurant watching kookaburras in the tree and kangaroos on the grass below the verandah, it was wonderful. We people watched, animal watched and tucked in to a full breakfast. I think I'll need to increase the exercise after this weekend.

We drove out to Locksock Dam.  It was very scenic as we crossed rivers and watched the rolling hills go by.  The drive lead us around to a small island.  No one was there as we drove down and around the slope of the grass down to the water.  The air, the water, it was all so still.  We sat and took it all in.  It's so easy to be with Urban Hunk, to chat, laugh and just enjoy, I feel at peace, a warm content feeling, I savour it, I yawn and sigh a lot.  Very relaxed.  As we head off we notice another car parked just on the slope to the right.  There's a lady bending over.  She's shaking her bum.  It's big, and white, she'd be about 100kgs.  Omg, I can't believe it.  She has her pants pulled down and she is doing a poo and shaking her bum.  Urban Hunk is looking at my horrified face.  She's shaking a shit out of her bum.  yuk.  omg.  The lady looked up just as we passed her. I hope we don't see them back at the resort.  I'm speechless.  That was the most gross thing I've ever seen.  I finally find some words and Urban Hunk is laughing his head off.  I think I need another drink.

 It's always an adventure with Urban Hunk, some thing always happens. 

Time is your friend

A wise friend once told me, 'time is your friend.'   It make me stop and questions why I was always racing against it.  Why I hurried about and walked so quickly.  Why was I rushing?  You can not beat time.  So from that day forward I made time my friend. 

 

Well it was easier said than done.  I had to make a conscious effort to not do two things at once, to walk slower, breathe, drive smoothly and slowly, save petrol was one good motivator in changing my driving habits, and it worked!   I often had to repeat my new mantra, 'time is your friend,' as I found my heart racing from rushing or frustrated by a queue of people.  Slowly it sunk in, I slowed down.  I used the time wisely.  I started observing so much of life around me.  It's not to say I'm cured but I certainly see a lot more and its open up a whole new world on conversation with people I've never met before but have shared part of the life experiences with me.

The one thing I don't burn!

The kids get so excited about having pancakes for breakfast.  A Nutella moustache lines their upper lip as they devour them faster than what I can cook them.

 

It's the morning after a sleep over and the kids are still in their pajamas playing.  I love these slow and easy mornings.  I love setting up the craft activities, beyblade stadiums, lego and just letting them go to do what they'd like.  The sound of their laughter and chatter is music to my ears.

 

Good morning Canberra!

Urban Hunk flew me in to Canberra for the weekend.  Excited and nervous.  It had been a long week and I missed him terribly.  On top of a hectic Friday, I had to try and pack carry-on luggage only for my trip.  Do you know how hard it is to only pack a small case?!  I had to put in clothes incase it was hot, cold, for evening, day time, walking shoes, high heels. I don't think men appreciate this difficult task.  Having managed to neatly fold all my delicates I must admit it was fantastic being able to just walk on and off the plane without waiting for baggage.  I also did the online check-in so I strolled straight to the boarding gate when I arrived at the airport.  It was awesome.  Although getting lost (only me!) trying to exit airport was frustrating because I was being collected in the Departures, not the Arrivals, but I'm used to walking against the crowds.

 

 

 

I was delighted that Urban Hunk got to spend all of Saturday with me.  We cruised around Canberra and amongst it all checked out Black Mountain Tower which is basically a tall Telstra Tower with an observation platform for tourists.  We could see out to the mountain ranges as we looked at the spread out city of Canberra which is also so green for this time of year.  We braved the outdoor viewing platform which warned us to be careful of flying ants that could bite and sting!  Who would put wings on large ants!  Thankfully we weren't attacked by the nasty critters.

 

 

Left to my own devices on Sunday morning I laid around the hotel room in the sun reading the Sunday papers, it felt so indulgent to be so lazy.  Feeling like I really should do some thing I went for a stroll.  If I could find the 'off' switch for that voice that pokes me I would've been asleep on the hotel bed.  Lots of people were on their bicycles, cars drove like they only had one gear, it felt like I was lost in time after the hustle and bustle of Sydney.

 

Leaving Sunday afternoon was hard.  I wanted my man back in Sydney, back in bed, back home!  Too many hugs and lingering kisses we peeled ourselves apart to face another week on our own. Four more nights and counting!  And only two weeks until he returns home from the Canberra job.

 

U2 !!!!

Urban Hunk rode the Thumper (sexy sports motorbike) out to the Stadium.  We cut out one hour of traffic as we weaved our way through to the concert.  I love getting on the back of that bike, there is some thing free and in the moment about it.  Anyway, I digress so I'll have to write about the Thumper another time.

We arrived in time to grab some food and watch JayZ perform.  I didn't realise they sold sushi now at the Stadium so opted for the healthy option as opposed to the usual hot dog, hamburger or meatpie, which are definitely more football foods than concert food.  Watching JayZ perform, I realised that his music is not for me.  This harsh rap music made me feel old, especially as I dined on my sushi watching.  It's a shame Beyonce didn't make an appearance with him, now that would've been awesome.

I'm probably the only person in the world that has not listened to much of U2's music.  I know their hits and most played songs but I'm guilty of not having any of their CDs.

As the sun went down the Stadium was not filled to capacity.  Jayz waved farewell and then every one waited with anticipation for U2.  There was this simmering energy amongst the crowd as all eyes were forward watching the stage.  Then the first cords sounded from a U2 hit and the crowd erupted, it was incredible.  Every one was on their feet, singing, cheering, it was amazing.  It was surreal. 

Bono has such a presence about him.  Its like the music come through him, he is the music, its hard to describe but its uplifting and inspiring.

We stood the whole night, dancing, swaying, clapping and singing.  It was an amazing night and so grateful I was part of it. 

Weekend exploring

We find so many hidden places that are so serene and beautiful on our weekends exploring.  Urban Hunk will just drive with no particular destination in mind.  

I enjoy the drive, we chat easily about every thing and any thing.  We'll often grab the Sunday papers for a slow and lazy lunch later in the day.  And I always snap this type of picture (see below).  Once I was busted and all he could do was roll his eyes at me.  Who cares, its a great view, I'm not dead you know!

New Respect

I grew up in a family that followed Rugby League.  Men were men, they watched the footie, had a beer and yelled at the Referee if he penalised their team.  The entire family followed the Tigers.  One year I had a crush on a Parramatta player and decided I'd go for Parra.  Well, I was the family outcast, they promptly named me a turncoat.  It was quite funny.

 

Soccer was not really played around our area and soccer players were always seen as 'girls' when they'd fake a fall and grab their leg.  I don't really understand the rules of soccer and never really watched too much of a game if it was on tv.

 

On a warm, balmy night the Socceroo's were playing Portugal in Sydney.  On the spare of the moment we decided to watch the game.  The County Boy is more the Urban Hunk now and a legend soccer player so it was decided we'd go watch the game.  It was so last minute I was hoping we'd get seats where we could atleast see the numbers on the players back.  Harry Kewell was playing!  Plus there was some media coverage on Mark Schwarzer so I was inspired to watch him in action to.

 

There were so many people all trying to converge through narrow doors down the their seats.  I stayed tucked behind Urban Hunk as he led me through the crowds to our seats.  Wow.  Right in front, in the middle of the field!  Awesome!

 

The game went so fast, the pace no stop, it was fantastic.  I have a new found respect for soccer players.  I think this pleased Urban Hunk who I used to tease about the soccer fake falls.   I had so much fun, it was great to watch live.  And I got my pictures of Harry Kewell in action. 

 

 

Is that a Possum!!?!

Out to the country.  Fresh air fills my lungs and I can't stop yawning.  There are no street lights or footpaths.  I've not been in the true country before, out in to the wilderness, to the edge of the mountains and where every insect, wild rabbit, swooping birds and bush wallaby live.  The landscape is mesmerizing and its so quiet.

We drive along the winding road, lazy corners lull me in to calm, zen state.  Only a few hours on the road and I already feel completely relaxed then I spot some thing sticking out of the tall grass,  "Oh look, is that a dead cow?"   We drive closer to the four white legs sticking up.  Another lazy bend in the road and we're upon the legs.

Country Boy looks over at me, "no, that would be a table upside down."

ooops, I think to myself.  I turn a brilliant shade of red, my cheeks burn.  "hmm, don't have my glasses with me," I mumble.  I didn't want to ask any of the million questions flying through my head after that so I leaned back with a yawn to enjoy the ride.

The trees change as we leave the farms behind and hit the dirt road.  The cabin is large and has a fire place, not the gas ones I know but real wood logs in an open fire.  I keep yawing again sucking in the fresh air.  I think I could sleep for a year up here.

I unpack the groceries as Country Boy collects wood.  Its such a manly thing to do.  I watch and admire him as he works.  Thankfully he knows what he doing.  I yawn again watching his swagger.  He's so industrious preparing the cabin for our stay.  My mind wanders off to naughty thoughts.  When did I become such a perve?  As I boil water for some tea I hear a rustling of the plastic bag from behind me.  I let out an almighty scream and spin around.  I'm not good with insects or wild animals, either small or large.  I like to respect them and keep a big distance between us.  My heart is pounding in my chest as I look at the cellophane bread bag unwrapping. I let out a sigh, phew, saved by the bread.

Country Boy comes quick, "you okay?"

"Sure," I smile, straightening my relieved posture.

He grins at me, "what was the scream for?"

"Oh nothing," I say casually, thinking desperately about how to change the subject but failing miserably.  After the dead table I have no shame and I confess, "I thought there was a possum in the bag but it was just the bread."

This was my first of many country trips away.  I'm much better now at spotting the difference between a table and a cow but I haven't improved with yelps from inspects, animals or things that move in the night that I can't see.

The Universe Came Calling

A Universal offering, so unexpected, so ridiculous and so challenging, made me question life like never before.  It offered me the most challenging guise it could think of.  Was I up for it?  Could I bring myself to take a leap of faith and trust?

From a controlled bubble, feeling isolated and alone, I struggled to understand what was happening.  Incredibly scared and frightened and after many long, deep breaths, many tears shed, I sought to reclaim myself from the shell I had become.  I'd lost my self-esteem and self worth.  This is my journey of stepping out and seeing the world with new eyes.