Time To Take My Own Advice

When I wrote my last blog post, I had no idea I would later be writing about my recent break-up with Arlo. That wasn't in the plan at the time.

I didn't want this, but not every choice in my life is my own, and there's nothing I can do about it. Now it's my turn to take my own advice and make the choice to be happy, regardless of how life happens.

I could not be more grateful for my friends right now. I feel lost and lonely, but much less so with all of your comforting words and gestures. Thank you all very, very much!

My plans haven't changed since my last post. I'm still going to see Uluru and Kings Canyon, and I'm still planning to go to Darwin. I feel like going back to the States with my tail between my legs so I can find comfort in my family and friends. But my friends here are wonderful, and going home defeats the purpose of coming here to Australia in the first place. I'm here to make money, and have amazing travel experiences. If I ran back home anytime I felt defeated, I wouldn't get very far.

Life goes on, and I'm trying my best to do the same.

When It's Time, It's Time

In the world of traveling, it's difficult to do everything as planned. There are so many unexpected and constantly changing variables that make it impossible to nail down exact dates, routes, expenditures, and the like. Though I haven't done a great deal of traveling, I've already learned how important it is to be able to roll with the punches. If you're not ready to deal with things going differently than planned, then you're in for a lot of disappointment. Contentment is such a big deal when you're on the road. A vacation is something that's meant to be enjoyed, but it's also your choice to do so, and not always something that just lands in your lap. For me, this means it's my responsibility to enjoy what's going down, regardless of whether it's what I planned or not.

I started writing this particular blog post about a week ago, and even in that short amount of time, many things have changed. I started writing about how Arlo and I had decided to finish working at Glen Helen a little bit early, but now I am the only one involved in that plan. Arlo is committed to learning more in the kitchen. He really enjoys working with Mark, the head chef, and he wants to keep it up for a month or two longer than I am willing to stick around. The travel bug bites who it wishes, and we simply were not bitten together this time! We'll meet back up about a month and a half after I leave. My last day of work is Aug 22nd, only 18 days from now. My plans for after that are about as stagnant as a flag in the wind. I've got ideas, but they change every day. I definitely want to do the 3 day tour to Uluru and Kings Canyon, and maybe head up to Darwin afterwards, but I have no plans of who I will travel with and how. I guess I should probably get on that!