I'm back!

Oh goodness... it's been a while since I've posted! My sincerest apologies. Life has been incredibly busy for us and we have many projects in the air. Vacationing in Australia for 3 weeks was just what we needed in order to come back and get after things. It was absolutely beautiful. We loved our stay in Perth and we can't wait to go back!

Here are some highlights from our trip:

1. Getting into shape: I spent 3 weeks in Perth- plenty of time to jump start my fitness routine. My parents live near King's Park, a perfect place to go running each morning (these are the views I had each morning on my daily run...not bad eh?). Aussies are very active people and they have a thirst for adventure and fitness- and boy was it contagious. Each morning I would make myself run the hills around the park. I managed to bring that same determination back with me to Chicago and I've kept up the routine these past 2 months. It feels great to feel strong and healthy.

2. The Outdoors: Australia has a rugged beauty that is unique and breathtaking. We were visiting at the beginning of summer and the air had a unique fragrance that I've never experienced anywhere else in the world- a fragrant perfume of eucalyptus and tropical flowers. It smelled like a little slice of heaven. Sounds strange...no? If only I could bottle it up and take it with me. I was very impressed with the beaches; nice soft sand, clear water and for the most part they weren't too crowded. I feel in love with all the fruit orchards and vineyards outside the city; it felt a little like Napa. We gorged ourselves silly on ripe peaches for three weeks. I could see myself owning a little farm outside of Perth very easily.

3. The Food: Before I came to Australia I was a little forlorn at the thought of eating vegemite and kangaroo (yes they eat kangaroo steak) but much to my surprise we found amazing ethnic food at our disposal. I had the best chicken curry of my life at Chutney Mary's; an Indian restaurant located in a little suburb called Subiaco. Three months later and I'm still daydreaming about it- it was everything a good curry should be. Another great find was churros! Yes, Spanish churros in Australia of all places and they were bloody fantastic. The place to go is Chocolateria San Churros. The dark chocolate dipping sauce will make you weep- it's so damn good. And last but not least is Nando's- a little Portuguese restaurant chain that makes the best flame-grilled chicken ever. It's all in the Nando sauce. I would go back to Perth for the food alone.

4. The Fashion: It is very California-esqe... but perhaps a little more breezy and hip? Lots of flowy maxi dresses, cowboy hats, gladiator sandals, and messy hair (but still somehow stylish? Man- I could never pull off the messy bed hair look). Aussie girls definitely have a je ne se quois quality to them. Think tall leggy blondes like Ms. Elle MacPherson.

My parents are definitely living the good life in Perth. It's about time! They have worked in some pretty forlorn places (Saudi Arabia being one of them) so it's a great change of pace. We really enjoyed our stay in Perth (I would live there in a heart beat). I'm already planning my next visit!

One of my new resolutions this year is to post a little more candidly about my life- be a little more personable. I'm hoping you will get a chance to know me a little better while still maintaining some sense of anonymity! I played with the idea of making this blog private, but what the heck, I decided to keep it as is. Again, I'm sorry for the hiatus! It was necessary. I got my batteries charged up and I'm raring to go. And I have so much to share! I hope everyone has a lovely weekend.