comfort

It is wintery cold and raining in Sydney tonight, at the end of a chilly, dark weekend. I have been so homesick this weekend, which is ridiculous. Ridiculous because I don't currently have another home to be homesick for. Every once in a while, I struggle with this expat life. It's Memorial Day weekend back in the US and the internets are full of barbecue plans and beach going. We have our share of beach weekends here, but it's strange to be rugging up for winter when friends and family are enjoying summer back 'home.' I'd much rather be admiring my garden in the long summer sun of June.

Most people who know me can tell you what I do when I am stressed or sad. I bake. And so, this afternoon, that is what I did. Apple muffins and pumpkin pie, to be exact. My kitchen is too small to make proper pie crust, but I suppose I am not above buying a frozen one. The smell of cinnamon and spices warms the apartment and my soul. Now I just need to find people who want to eat all these baked goods.

darkness

It seems like ages ago, instead of only 3 weeks, that we had an amazing long weekend in New Zealand. The last couple of weeks have been some of the craziest I have had at work here, and there is no end in sight, currently. I love the rat race and an a self-confessed workaholic, but the weather lately has made it so hard to get out of bed and go to work.

Mostly winter in Sydney is rainy and cold. Sometimes we will have the most glorious, sunny day, that makes you just want to 'chuck a sickie' and run away to the beach. But by the time the afternoon sets in, it's dark. In fact, I have been arriving to work lately just as the sun is coming up and leaving in darkness. I am not a fan, and honestly, I'd just like to hibernate until spring. Especially today, as it was bitter cold, rainy and windy. Eew. Although, watching people waiting for the bus with umbrellas blown inside out is always good for a chuckle.

I have been trying to fill in the weekends with fun things that get us out of the house. Last weekend we visited my favourite farmers market with some friends, and then went to the fish market... all of which spontaneously ended in a gathering of friends at our place for nachos, fish tacos, and a rousing game of cards. (I lost badly.)

This weekend we are taking a small road trip to meet one of my online-but-never-met-in-real-life friends for lunch on Saturday. I am looking forward to the drive and the company.

I think now that it's full on winter, it may be time to finish that two year old knitting project and finish all of the books I have been meaning to read. I suppose, if all else fails, I could always clean the oven and fold laundry. Exciting times, hey?