Well here we are...my year in review

I can’t believe 2009 has already passed. On the 23rd of Jan it will mark my 1 year in Australia. Waiting in 2008 for all the adventures to start it is hard to fathom that it has already passed by. Life really is like a vapor, here one minute and gone the next. I still have time down under but I don’t know how much longer. I’m just resolving to live each day as it comes. Since I am not good at writing consistently I will let my pics speak for 2009.


Australia on the Horizon

26th of Jan Australia Day with the (then) Klages girls

Jervis Bay sunset

Koala lovin

Barossa Valley...Aussie Wine Country SA

Fishing off the coast of South Australia...King George Whiting

Fringe Festival, Adelaide

Gold Coast sunset during Quiki Pro

Loz came for a visit from the states

Maitland....great land

The Brownley's, my aussie family


my favorite pass-the-time....any-time...all the time

the beloved opera house

Jeremy and Jess's Wedding, Kiama, NSW

New friends :: New Zealand


Bula Bula from Fiji


Smiths take a trip to New Zealand

AFL...Sydney Swans




Mt Coolum hike with new roomie Mel and Jess came out for a visit too!
Tea Tree Bay, Noosa

Surprise visit home to celebrate my mom's birthday
Dad's still working....always working but happy!

Mrs. Sarah O'Quinn Drey...i got to be a part of her special day

Funniest dinner ever with mom and Donald
Makena Kealoha Marshall....1 beautiful year down and many more to go...

Byron Bay...farthest eastern point in Australia

Ash and Andy tying the knot in Wollongong

The Great Barrier Reef....absolutely stunning

Amelia and Daniel's Wedding

Thanksgiving...American Style 2009

Merry Tropical Christmas 2009

This was only a few that I picked out of the thousands from this year alone. Thank you to all who have been praying for me and encouraging me along this journey. It's been one of the hardest and yet BEST years of my life. I know 2010 has more instore for me as I step out in faith to all the unknowns. I'll leave you with the 1st pic of 2010...a reflection of whats to come I'm sure.

Until next time,
Cindy

Great Barrier Reef

Well, I've been working so much its more than a full time job. I needed a job because I had 7-8 months of travelling and picking my nose which makes the money go fast. I've practically lived at the Hyatt Regency Coolum over the last month and I finally get a relief. I'M GOING TO SEE THE GREAT BARRIER REEF!!!! I remember learning about it when I was in high school and all the fascinating marine life that make this large reef their home. I'm going with my good friend Belinda and her boyfriend Nath for 4 days. I'll post pictures when I come back. I get back on November 28th just in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with my American friends here in Oz.

Life has been so good and challenging. I think its what I've needed for a long time now.

Until next time,
Cindy a.k.a. "Crawfy" as my aussie friends like to say

The Day Sydney went Red

Winds carried dust from the Northern Territory across New South Wales and into Queensland. It was a dirty red mess.

Coolum Beach Sunrise

I live across the street from this beautiful place!

Minestrone Soup for Fall

My roomie Mel and I made this soup on a whim and it turned out so good. Perfect on a fall day which y’all in America are coming into.

Minestrone Soup

Ingredients
1 carrot chopped
1 celery stick chopped
1 zucchini chopped
1 brown onion chopped
6 garlic cloves chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp tomato paste
salt and pepper

600g bacon bones (or 3 rashes bacon)
1 liter broth (veggie or chicken)
1 cup red wine (cab sav or merlot)
1 cup water
1 1/2 handful of fresh basil
1 tbsp oregano
1 tbsp thyme
1 tbsp sage
1 tbsp rosemary

1 can cannellini beans
1 can chickpeas
1 can diced tomatoes

2 tsp brown sugar
1 cup pasta

Cook vegetables in pot with olive oil for 4-5 minutes. Add tomato paste and mix well. Add either bacon bones or crispy bacon to veggie mix with broth, wine and water. Mix in herbs and canned beans and tomatoes. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 15 minutes. Add brown sugar and pasta to soup. Let pasta cook through about another 15 minutes. Goes well with cheesy bread.

Espetus Brazilian Steak House

While I was home part of the trip was to surprise my mom for her birthday. My brother Don found a restaurant in San Francisco on Market Street that is a Brazilian Steak House. I had never been to such a restaurant and that night I ate more parts of a cow than one should have in meal. anyways, if you love meat you have to find a restaurant like this near you.

Back in Queensland, Australia

Much to my disbelief many of you actually read my blog and have asked me to update it. Im extremely lazy when it comes to writing this so I will write less and post more pics.

I just arrived into Brisbane from my 3 week vaca in California. On July 22 I flew into LAX, then flew into San Francisco to surprise my mom for her 60th birthday, and then drove with my brother to San Diego for my friend Sarah’s wedding. It was the busiest 3 weeks of my life with little sleep and loads of fun. It was amazing being home and I delighted my tastebuds at all my favorite eateries….Naked Café, Pannikin, Pizza Port, Golden Spoon and the list goes on. I love San Diego and I loved catching up with all of you. Here are some highlight pics for you. I’m not sure when I will be back but I will keep you updated on my life and I hope you will keep me updated on yours!

Love, Cindy