2 weeks in Washington State...not DC!!

Cousins Lisa and Theresa

Benny and Olivia

Me, Benny and Erin at Farmers Market

Olivia ridding on Auntie Theresa's shoulders

Auntie Theresa and Benny!!

After spending a wonderful time in Cali with the Van Houten, I headed up north to spend some quality time with the rest of my family for two weeks. The two weeks were filled with a lot of time with Olivia and Benny!! Oh how I missed them so much...

During my time spent in Washington I was able to once again celebrate my birthday with my mom, Erin, Gary, Olivia, Benny, cousin Lisa, cousin Darice, Scott and Baby Brody!! Nothing like a good drink and steak dinner!! I also the the chance to become a "mom" for a week watching Olivia and Benny while Gary and Erin took off for a week in the DR...I my niece and nephew but man it was hard work!! I would rather be an Auntie then a mom...sorry!!

I was also able to fly over to Spokane to see some old co-worker and friends. I was so happy to see Judy, Troy, Lisa, Wes and Krysta from EWU as well as Lisa's family Mark, Mason and Maria. Thanks to the Westlake family for housing me for a couple of days and the wonderful food :) was kindy sad I missed out on the pool but I will come visit again next summer. I can' t wait to see how it all turned out.

The 2 weeks in Washington was well spent and just what I needed a whole lot of loving from my family!!

Miss everyone so much and soon I will be done and back in the states :)

Cheers!

Theresa

Visiting the Van Houten Family in Cali

Me and Kris...Sisters

Surprise b-day cake for me!!

Clara and Andrew playing in the water

Auntie Theresa with Clara and Andrew at Chuck E Cheese

Andrew and Clara...

I was very fortunate to be able to come home while on school holiday this semester. My first stop was to Modesto to visit with Kris, Mike, Andrew, Clara and of course Cooper!! I really didn't care what was going on I just wanted to be around everyone, playing, laughing and enjoying the moments. It is surely amazing how much you miss when you are halfway around the world. The week I was in Cali was spent playing with Andrew and Clara outside playing tennis, the new water table I bought the kids, attending Andrew's basketball class and having family dinners. Kris and I were able to spend some quality sister time together getting pedicures, watching a movie and having lunch. I was also able to take Kris Starbucks everyday to work. This may sound silly to a lot of people but to be able to drive a car was something I was really excited to do since I depend on my bike, my feet or the bus.

The biggest surprise of the week was the birthday cake that they surprised me with. I didn't really expect anything for my birthday I was just happy to spend it with my family.

Overall my time in Cali was just what I needed...quality time with spent with Kris, Mike, Andrew, Clara and Cooper!!

I look forward to seeing them again very soon..

Theresa

End of Semester 101

Today I ended my second semester of grad school. Its bitter sweet because I know I only have one more semester to go. Unlike last semester when I was hard to say goodbye this semester couldn't have come any sooner!! I having wanting a break from school for so long and now I can sit back and relax for the next 4 weeks!! Yippee...This semester challenged me like no other, I only had 3 classes but I also had to write a 10,000 paper as my 4th subject. After taking my only final and turning in my paper today I feel really good about my grades this semester. I look forward to seeing what my grades are in a couple of weeks!! I am heading to Cali for a week to spend more quality time with Kris, Mike, Andrew and Clara. I haven't not seen them in about 9 months, but we do Skype with each other about once a week!! After a week in Cali, I head up to WA to see the rest of the family, I can't wait to see Olivia and Ben. I also hope to get a chance to catch up with some old friend since I missed my high school reunion since I was in Australia. It will only be 2 weeks but I hope to final each and everyday with joy and happiness!! I also can't wait to spend some time with my mom to celebrate her b-day from March as well as Mother's day!! Oh ya since I have been gone, cousins on both sides of my families have had babies so I can't wait to meet them too!!

I plan on enjoying my last day in Australia before embarking on a really long flight from Brisbane to LA, then LA to SAC.

I look forward to my time with my friends and family!! I hope I get a chance to see everyone..

Cheers for now!! See ya next semester...

Theresa

AFL Game #2 Brisbane Lions vs Western Bulldogs

Right before the start of finals I rounded up some friends to go watch another AFL game this time it was the Brisbane Lions vs Western Bulldogs. I went to the game with Christine, Rick, Winston and Hugo. We sat in the same section as last time which went we were right in the action by the goal posts...and of course Favola!! Once again the Lions started off slow, had a horrible second quarter but was able to rebound after halftime...The game saw some interesting things, a Bulldogs fan threw beer on Favola and end up spending time in jail, there were some fights on the field and a Bulldogs player carted off the field, he ended up being ok!! After all that the Lions pretty much shut down the Bulldogs and won the game 101-79!!

Lets hear the mighty roar!! Go Lions...

Cheers,

Theresa

Rugby League game #2 Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm

I got the chance to attend another NRL game, this time against defending champions the Melbourne Storm. Once again I tried to get my fellow sports management classmates to come but it was last minute. So it ended up being my friend Winston and one of my classmates Kunal. The first game I attended was during the day and this one was at night, I will say I love the night games..the atmosphere was AMAZING!! This time the Titans were without their Captain Scott Prince. After a slow first half the Titans prevailed and defeated the former champs 20-16. So far in my two game I am undefeated!! Go Titans and I can't wait to attend another game after holiday!!

Another Try for the Titans!!

Theresa

First Aussie Rules Football game Brisbane Lions vs West Coast Eagles

The other game played in Australia besides rugby is Aussie Rules Football (AFL). It is a mix of soccer, football, rugby all in one. They play their games in a round stadium with a large goals in the middle of two smaller ones. Unlike Rugby League, AFL is high scoring and a little more fast paces from what I can tell.

Bond Uni offered a student special where for $30 bucks, you got a game ticket, food and drink vouchers and transportation to and from the game. I had heard how fun the games were and I couldn't beat a great deal like this one. I tried to get some friends to go but it just ended up being my friend Emily whom I met last semester. I did get a chance to meet some Aussies and Frenchie who attended the game as well. Like the Titans game I didn't know much about it so after a little explanation I caught one quickly and really got into it. By the end I was singing the clubs song and cheering for my favorite lion in Brendan Fevola. The Lions pulled off the victory 114-82. At the end of the game we got the chance to run around the field at the Gabba and get my picture taken. It was EPIC!!!

Go Lions!!!!!!!!

Theresa

First Rugby League game Gold Coast Titans vs New Zealand Warriors

I finally got a chance to see my first National Rugby League (NRL) game! I mean its not NFL or even NCAA football but once I figured out the rules I really got into it and now as I type this blog I am watching a game on the TV. I went with a former classmate of mine and one if his friends. The local team the Gold Coast Titans play at Skilled Park right next to Robina Town Centre and Robina Rail which is only about a 10 minute bus ride. Also with your game ticket you get free transportation. Maybe the M's, Seahawks and Sounder should take note!! Didn't really know who the players for the Titans were before the game but I quickly found out who my favorite was, the Captain Scott Prince!! The Titans started off slow but in the end they pulled off the victory winning 24-18!! Go Titans...

Theresa