Time to Try Something New?!

                                                          Stef and Christie at 24!!

                               AWW the bday girl is embrassed cause I sang Happy Birthday REAL loud!!

                                                                      Make a Wish!

                                                                     The Year of Love!

February is a month full of festivites. This is the month that Christie was born, Valentines Day, us moving into our new place and the Year of Love. (I'll get to that)

First was Christies bday, February 10th. The day her parents gave a gift to the world. Her day to be spoiled, lets face it...Christie is amazing. Laughs at most of your jokes, is amazingly unjudgemental, always see the best in people, incredible in impossible situations, great at making desicions and of course....Gorgous. She really is fit. We all could use a Christie in our lives.

24 is a pretty scary one. Thats a year off from 25...dangerously close. She got to sleep in...then came to Giraffe for bday lunch! Lucky me...thats right...I got to serve the bday girl!! After, she got to go buy her bday treat. Toms shoes. Shes been talking about these shoes endlessly. Thank God she finally has them.

That night we got all dressed up and headed out for train sushi! Train sushi is always fun...you just sit by the track and get your food straight away!! That and it goes down well with wine. After, we brought out the cake which is always the perfect finish to a great meal.

Next stop. Lion and Lobster....I think you all are picking up on the fact it is are favorite pub, that and its around the cornor. Easy stumble home. There all her friends showed up. It was an amazing evening celebrating a truly amazing person. So much so, the next day was worth the pain.

Valentines day was spent doing what most single girls do. Working. What a stupid holiday. I only say this because it always so stinking busy and its all the couples who eat out once a year....they never tip. On top of it all, you get the couple asking as to how horrible it is that I have to work on this day filled with Love. Im single...GET OVER IT!

However, I do love watching the new dates....the awkward ones that dont know what to order and are putting on their best face. I especially love the embrassing situations. Like for example the guy who trys to pay for the meal with the card and its declined. He doesnt have any money on him....so she has to pay. Ouch!

After a LONG day, me and stef (who have been each others valentines for years) decided to go get a drink. However, at this time of night all that is open is the gay bar Legends. How apporite for our first valentines day in Brighton. Happy Valentines to me!

So, you are probably wondering what the Year of Love is. Well, let me explain.

A couple of months ago someone came in with flyers that read...Want to find your perfect match? Sign up for this show! Being over here, Im all up for new experiences and things Ive never done before. Year of Love is a show on BBC 3. Its a compatibility test that you take then they set you up on this blind date along with 500 other couples. Then they see if you are compatible or not. So I signed up.

I had to fill out a form then take the test. What Im looking for, what Ive dated in the past, my musts and musts nots...that kind of thing. Then On February 18 I go to London to meet what they believe is my perfect match. Ridiculous right? But I was stoked! You that know me, know I love this kind of thing.

When mom was down, we found a great new outfit! Royal blue dress, belt and heels. I dont want to toot my own horn....but I look pretty awesome in this dress! So a 4 am I got up to get ready to go to London. Once I got there, you they take you on this bus to the venue. They obviously keep the boys and girls seperate...so here I was on a bus FULL of estrogen. There was ALOT of mindless chatter. Mostly about how the guy better not be ugly, and how many stupid boyfriends they've had and how their hair isnt this or that. It was a bit much.

So we finally get to the place and I go into a room full of even MORE girls. So, I look around...I know I'll be waiting awhile so I need to make some friends. Girls are so clicky....and I dont want to end up in the wrong group. So, theres the girls in the tight short dresses, fake tan, fake eyelashes, fake boobs, fake hair, basically all around fake....well that wont work. I look at another group of the bitter, downtrodded divorcess...well we have nothing in common. Then I look to the social awkward, scared, on the verge of losing it....well that wouldnt be much fun. Then I found the young college girls....well looks like my best bet. Nice girls...helped pass the next 6 hours.

Finally everyone is registered and we head into the venue. There is a huge stage with lights and camaras everywhere. They sit the girls on one side and the boys on the other. After everyone is settled they introduce the host and what to do. After long introductions they brought out the two people who created the test. A psycholigist and a professor. They explained that this was all about compatiblity and not to be off put by first impulse (mostly looks im assuming.) Then it was time for the games to begin.

How it works is that everyone is wearing a band with a number on it. They call your number and you go back stage. Then when your number is called you walk on stage to the middle...meet your "match" and walk down the aisle towards the camara. Then you go to the next room get a glass of champagne and sit and have a "date". Silly I know...but again, I live for this kinda thing. (dont worry the girls have teased me enough about it)

There were quite a few people in front of me....it was fasinating to see the match ups, but it made you sick to your stomach in some of these girls. All the boys were cheering each other on and making sure that even though they didnt like the look of the girl that she was cormfortable. The girls were cruel. All them were looking at the boys, saying..."O god, I hope I dont end up with that one! Ew ugly!"

Some of the girls were even worse when they met their "match" on stage. Making faces, cringing, just walking off stage, one girl even made fun of a guys height(he was much shorter then her) right on stage! Once they got to the other room, they were even worse. Alot of girls refused to sit with their dates and complained that this is not what they signed up. " I specially said good looking and tall!" It made me sad for womankind that people act like this. Its who your compatible with...not how you find good looking.

Some of the match ups were really good...you could tell there was a bit of love at first sight...which reassured my faith in love.

So before long, it was my turn. I was incredible curious who they set me up with. I told myself beore I went on to keep an open mind and give this a go. I get on stage..........tattoo sleve, strechers, and facal piercings with an indie look. Ok....so not what Im used to. But I was still going to give this a go. So I put on the smile and walked down the aisle and then went to the next room for a "date".

Surprisingly, we got on really well. We had an awesome time chatting and laughing about the whole situation. He lives in brighton and is a painter/bar man. Incredible creative! As well, after a day spent with girls it was nice to talk to someone with a brain. I wouldnt have thought it at first, but we really did get along well! We exchanged numbers and I agreed to a date. Still not sure about the style but what the hell...ill give it a go.

So, dont all go running to the tele....if I do make it on tv it wont air for a year or so. But I have to do video diarys telling them what I think about things and how things are going. To much fun!! So Im pretty excited about this whoel thing. Something I wouldnt do back home...something different!

Soon we have to move to our new place...which means alot of cleaning and energy....but EXCITING! Our new place is way better then this one...so it will be worth the work. So till the next time...Ciao~

On the London eye

                                                       Classic Big Bed Photo...Almost Perfect

                                                 Hanging out with Mom (thats right Mom...HANGING OUT!)            

                                                                     Stef and Mom

                                                                   On the Brighton Pier

Tower Bridge! My Favorite Site

                                      Pretty Much Sums Up the Day                       

                                                                            London Eye

On the London Eye

Gorgous View From the London Eye

                                                         Mom Walking Like a Londoner

                                                          London Eye at Night

                                                                      Big Ben at Night



                                  


                                                       The Guards....Wizard of Oz...Right?!

                                        Our Favorite Chap...You Can tell Mom LOVES Him!


                                        

                                                                        At Komedia

                                                                       Lion and Lobster

Mom Trying to Embrassing Me!!

The long overdue countdown to Jan 29 was finally over. I have 6 days off of work and an alarm at 5am to get ready for the visit of a lifetime! I am going to Gatwick to pick up my mom!

Typical me, I did not want to be late. Her flight gets in at 8am and its a half hour train ride to Gatwick from Brighton. I booked my tickets weeks ago and got up at 5am so I could leave by 6am. Do the math....I was there by 645am. Maybe a tad excessive but Id rather be stupid early then a little late. I made a glittery sign that read MOM with hearts. You know, just to make sure she could pick me out in the crowd. I stood in front of the white doors and waited.

830am rolls around and there she is. I lost it. Balled like a baby. I know its only been five months since Ive seen her, but thats five months to long. After I pulled myself together, we went and got a good ol english breakfast at the Wetheringspoon. Back bacon, fried eggs, sausage, backed beans and mushrooms. It was amazing to have my mom sitting across from me and catching up. Much better then skyping indeed.

She had a good flight, with two meals and a bit of sleep....overall not as bad as she had expected. Then we headed back to Brighton. The train ride was lovely. The sun was up and you could see the english countryside...which was nice because I hadnt seen it yet. I do love taking the trains, I think Mom liked it too.

We walked home from the train station along the seafront. Mom LOVED the seafront. Just sunshine (which was lovely, cause that is not typical for Brighton) and crisp ocean air. It is truly a beautiful sight, one Im glad my Mom appreciated.

Sunday was spent relaxing, (Mom having a power nap) and chating with the girls. The girls was excited to see her, especially stef who also cried like a baby....there is nothing like having a Mom in the house. That night we decided to take Mom to our favorite pub the Lion and Lobster. It a classic British pub, the sterotyped ones that you automatically think of.

We got a table by the fireplace and sat down for some ale. She loved it. Also commented that my Dad would be in his glory. She got the fish and chips....however....very disappointing. Which is sad for that is what Britian is known for. Dont worry, we had more fish and chips in the week which measured up to the hype. It was a lovely dinner spent with the girls...however, due to the flight and jet lag....she was falling asleep at the table. Had to take Mommy home! All for the best, she would need her rest for there was a fun filled week ahead of us.

Monday morning we spent planning out the week. We were both well rested and raring to go. Mom liked the flat, although she said it looks much different then the pictures...but isnt that always the case. We deicded to go to London on Tuesday stay over night till Wed. We got a cheap hotel, we could have done it in a day trip but after a long day in London its well worth the hotel for the night.

Monday we spent the day walking around Brighton. We walked along the seafront down in the boardwalk. You would not believe the activity going on....and in Jan no less. There was a flea market, people playing basketball and beach volleyball, boys doing rollar skate tricks, kids playing in the playground....we even saw people surfing! It wasnt frezzing cold, but def cold. And still the beach is a hub of activity. We both commented that we can not imagine what the summer must look like! But we can see why people say there is no place like Brighton in summer.

We casually made our way to the Brighton Pier. Its really like any other seafront pier but still lovely in its own right. We got some nice chips and walked along the pier. However, you HAVE to be careful of the seagulls. There are HUGE, over fed and vicious. They just glare at your food and swoop down in hopes of getting some. Its honestly...terrifying.

It was so nice to show Mom where I live. Walk along the seafront chatting and just enjoying each others company. It always a great time to complain and moan and vent about every little thing. Lets face, Mom are the best for that....especially because they are usually always on your side.

After lunch I took her into the lanes. She said it reminded her of Old Quebec, with the narrow alleyways and cobble roads. I think her favorite part was all the jewerly shops down the one lane with window sill jewerly! Its always fun to dream.

That night we went to Little Bay where Christie works. Not only does it have fantastic food, in the month of Jan its half off. Also, when you live with your server....you get AMAZING service. Not that Christie gives crappy service...but just put a bit more TLC because it was us. After wine and a delicious meal we walked home. Tomm was London. And it would prove to be a bit of a daunting trip.

The alarm at 5 am is never a good start to the day. Then when the coffee maker sparks and breaks down it makes it even worse. On top of the that, the hair was not working out....by 6am is was proving to be a difficult day. We got to the train station and paid alot for tickets to london. But we were going to London and I was with my mom so thats all that really matters.

Whilst waiting for the train, we got coffee and a breakie sandwich and waiting for the train. As we were sitting, my mom screaches and jumps up. Right beside her was this huge seagull trying to get at her food. I go to shoo it away and I kick over the entire coffee. Wow, it really is going to be one of those days.

We finally get on the train, and its packed....no where to sit for the next hour. By the time we got to London, you can imagine we were a tad disheartned. We had booked a bus hop on hop off tour for the day. When we FINALLY figured out where the stop was for them to pick us up, we were ready to put the morning behind us and go on with the day.

Go to pay.....Moms credit card is gone. At this point we both wanted to break down and cry. She must have dropped it some how in the train station. First time shes ever lost a credit card, thank god for the back up card! Anyways, so the next hour was spent cancelling it. Not great.

On top of everything, we dressed warm....not warm enough. Wet cold soaks into your bones....its impossible to get warm. Especially because buildings in the UK are drafted and not meant to be heated. Ive never been so cold in my life!

Fortunatly, our day improved. Once we were finally settled on the bus, it was lovely. London is a lovely city, and the history is pretty fasinating. We got off at Big Ben and spent some time there. We must have passed by Big Ben at least 10 times in the day....but now we have Big Ben from every angle. Next, after some food and a well deserved pint of beer....we went to the London Eye. We were both pretty tickled about this!

Of course to get to the London Eye we had to get on a different bus route. Here we were in Trafalgar Square going from one pick up point to the other trying to catch the bus! We looked ridiculous and it was frustrating! Finally, we got on the right one and headed to the stop.

First you get this 4D video of London, with the smells, 3D vision and wind being blown in your face...it was pretty cool. Then you go outside to Q for the London Eye. There is security and because we had a carry on suitcase they scanned it. The guy inquired about the manicure scissor, after the morning we had I thought they would just go ahead and arrest us....thankfully he let us through!

So the London Eye is constantly going, so you literally just have to get into the glass encased box as it slowly goes by. The thing had a bench and was glass all around. It is just on the Thames River so you get an amazing view of the city. IT was a really gorgous view. Def helped to improve the day.

After, we went the river cruise that was included in the tour. By this time it was getting dark so we got to see the city all lit up. It was fun to be cruising down the river towards the tower bridge....the tower bridge was by far my favorite sight. It looks amazing.

As you can imagine, we were pretty tired by this point, so we decided to get a quick bite and head on to the hotel. Of course, while trying to find a place to eat we got side tracked by a souviner shop. There was a wall full of various toques and winter hats. 30 min later and we were in fits of laughter trying on all the hats...even considering buying some gaudy ones to wear. Soon, the owner comes over and starts picking up the hats..."You've tried them all on! You make a mess! You want to buy one...here buy this one...just pick one!" Well time to go! To much fun.

Taking the tube in London isnt so bad, but I truly dont miss taking the tube every day like I did in NYC. Its exhausting...especially after a long day.

When we got off at the stop we started heading the wrong way....we just gave up and found a cab. We found out later that it was literally around the cornor from the subway stop. Duh! But the bed was comfy and clean! Tomm we would be prepared for it all!!!

The next day we were well rested and ready for a full day. We even bought the tacky london sweatshirts to bundle up for the cold. Dont worry, this time we didnt try on every single sweat shirt. Today, we were going to see the Queen! There was a walking tour for the changing of the guards.

Our tour guide was the most amazing typical older British man I have ever met. Mom and I were instantly in love with the chap. This man, probably in his late 60's was clearly a history teacher in his day. Not only was he incredibly knowledgable he was clever and funny. He would pick on the crowd...making shots at where they are from and what little we all knew about the history behind Buckingham Palace. He definatly gets a kick out of his job.

Mom especially loved being picked on. He would ask a question, to which we did not know....then make a snarky comment that we should know how to speak french...we are from Canada after all! IT was HIRALROUS!! And when he would walk...he would WALK. We were throughly entertained by the guy.

So while we were walking towards the palace learning about the history...we made a stop at Windsor house. We got to see the guards gettting ready for their trip to the Palace, then when they started marching with the 20 piece band leading....we got to march along side them! An american beside us made the commet "They remind me of the guards from Wizard of OZ!" He was spot on....it was excatly like that.

However...after a quick photo shoot we started heading away from the Palace....we were losing faith in our tour guide! Why dont we get to see the actual changing!? But alas, he did not disappoint. He took us to the smaller entrance where we got a private show! It was to neat!! Funny as well, I cant imagine standing in the position all day. Unfortunatly the Queen was away.....How Rude! We came all the way from Canada!

Next was another beer an sandwich in the pub and off to our next stop. Jack the Ripper walking tour! Lo and behold ....whose the guide! Our favortie Chap from the changing of the guards tour! Me and mom were like a bunch of groupies....all giggly and at the front...both hoping he remebered us from earlier...whispering to the others how great he is! It was amazing how much we loved this guy!!

The Jack the Ripper tour was amazing! We got to go down all the alleys where the victums were found, and the pubs he used to hang out in. It was amazing and eery!!!! Plus the dramatics of the tour were awesome. He would leave you in suspense and act out the murders and dramatically walk away. He was even MORE amazing on this tour!

Next stop was Harrolds. The famous department store. Remeber, we didnt excatly look our best. Obviously it was an impressive store filled with things we could never afford. However, Moms rant about the place sums it up perfectly.

" Look at those little twats working here staring us down like were not good enough to be here. I make more money in a month then they do in a year!"

Hahahahaha, pertencious it was. Screw Harrolds, Macys in NYC you could at least affford a pair of shoes.

This day was alot more enjoyable...we truly had a delightful time. However, on the train ride back to Brighton we both decided that other then the sights....its really just another annoying big city. So glad us girls decided to move to Brighton. Still, amazing visit but I was happy to be coming back to Brighton.

The next day we went shopping. I love shopping with my mom, other then the shoe stores. Mom LOVES shoe stores....I hate shoe stores...I wear one pair of shoes until they literally fall offf my feet then bite the bullet and buy the first shoes I find in my size. But if momma's happy then Im happy. Stef came along and we got mom a new outfit. She was a hottie in this outfit!! As much as she hated it, dressing mom up is FUN!

We even got to go for lunch with all the girls! Mom was definatly getting her girl time in for sure.

That night we went to Komedia for their stand up comedy show. Before, me, Stef and Trisha took mom to Giraffe were I worked. It was nice for her to be able to see where I work and the people I work with. They treated us like gold and we got a great discount. I think she really enjoyed the place. Little did I know, but mom was looking to set me up this night. She even commented and tried talking me into my co worker who works on the bar!! "Well hes a handsome guy! Why aren't you with him!!" Good thing I dont get embrassed easily.

We got to Komedia and the place was pretty packed. Me and mom always have a great time people watching and commenting on people and their possible situation. Comedy shows are great for the by the way! Many couples, friends, family....to much fun. There was a line up of 6 people. Some were laugh off your chair hiralrous and some were OK. Either way to much fun. Although...we also had a couple of jugs of beer.

By this point we were ready to hit the hay. So me Stef and mom went to the Lion and Lobster. By this point, we were all having WAY to much fun. Then Mom spots some cute boys and calls them over to join us. Before I know it....Mom has set me and stef up with the boys! Shes quite the matchmarker. So we spent the night chatting and making some new friends. As mom said later.....its the most fun shes had in along time! It def was a night for the books!

Friday was the last day. I could tear up now thinking about it. We decided to spend the day strolling around town and casually shoping. We went for lunch and coffee and got to see all of Brighton. It was my favorite day...just having Mom all to myself. It was what I needed, My Mom. The woman who knows excatly what to say...even if I dont want to hear it. A sounding board for my problems and full of the advice I need. My greatest supporter. The one person who truly wants the best for me and loves me no matter what. She really helps me to put my life in perspective and reassure me in my life path.

Ok, Ok, enough sappy sappy. Y'all get it..I love my mom!

Anyways, after a relaxing day. You can tell she really loved Brighton. I even heard her mention coming back in summer!! Fingers Crossed. Shes impressed in Brighton, and her approval means everything.

The next day I got up early and took her to Gatwick. The week flew by and it was FULL of tears at the airport. No worries, April I will see her again AND MY DAD!!!!! So I shouldnt be to sad. Still painful to see her go. Either way, it was an amazing week. I truly loved having her here!

New Year, New Cheers, New Tears

Month into 2012 and time is flying! Already us girls have been Brighton citizens for three months. Hard to believe that, seems like yesterday we were totting our backpacks along the seafront in amazement of this new land.

All of us have now settled beautifully into our jobs. Were not even the new girls anymore, which is nice to have someone else playing that role instead of us. We know have friends and endless nights of going to pubs with our new friends building some great relationships. Work is much easier when you know the menu and understand what the customer is asking you. (Finally we have come to understand the accent and most of the slang that used to confuse us!)

Trish has found a job at Riddle and Finns. It is an upscale resturant in the south lanes that she seems to be enjoying. Either way, a huge improvement from the short term job she had at Dig in the Ribs, or as we call it Dirty Ribs. So things are really coming together.

This month is bringing about alot of unexpected change for us.

Beginning of Januray we were enjoying a rare night in with all four of us,(usually someone is working nights) getting all settled in for a chick flick with an incredible spread of junk food. I decided to check my email (always got to keep up with the rents). There was a message from our landlord.

Earlier in the week our frezzer stopped working. However, we dont keep alot in there and it took us awhile to figure out something was wrong. However, Christie was the poor soul to open the frezzer to a mix of soggy cardboard and rotten meant and unthawed pizza. Not a good smell. Once she recovered from dry heaving we email Sarah to tell her of the issue. Sarah, who is usually quite helpful....told us its probably a fuse, to go get a new one, and youtube instructions on how to place it in the frezzer.

Really?? Really?? What may be a simple task for the average person, would be a disaterous mission for us girls. Thankfully it was Jake to the rescue! Stefs friend Jake who is also an electricion was a wonderful canadiate for the job. Lets face, girls still need a man in their life to do the simple things we could not be bothered doing.So, he came over to look at the frezzer. (dont worry we cleaned it out before he came, were not THAT lazy) Embrassingly enough, it came unpluged....so he plugged it back in. Oops. O well, we still would never have figured that out..so...Thanks Jake!

Figuring it was Sarah inquiring about the frezzer I opened it up.

Karina: Gasp! Holy Shit!

Girls: What?!

Karina: Turn off the movie!!

Girls: What?! Whats doing on?!

Karina: Were getting evicted.

The email was our official two months notice of eviction. We were to be out by March 18th 2012. Sarah lives in London with her boyfriend. Her boyfriend got a job in Brighton and needs a place to live. Boyfriend trumps the Canadian girls, so here we are. Remeber however, when we first got here and got the place we had to deplete our savings to give the 6 months plus damage deposit upfront. We were orginally paid up till May.

Obviously this was a huge blow. So what do we do? Burst into tears of laughter. Of course after only two months we would be kicked out of this amazing apartment by the seafront. It was to good to be true. Then the giggles continued thinking of how were going to get our stuff to the new place.....I guess we will carry our mattress down the street one by one. It was wonderful to laugh and cry about the sillyness of the situation. Once again, We Will Figure It Out.

Being the girls we are, we got to work....pulled out the contract, figured out how much we would get back, and logged onto gumtree to find places. No use waiting around. However, this living situation is a tad more complicated then the first time. Christie is undecided when she is living...shes going back in July for a wedding and Big valley but hasnt decided if she'll come back till christmas or stay in Canada. Trish's boyfriend Taylor is coming to Brighton to join us in the next couple of months. So Trish would only stay with us till he came then live with him. Me and stef are in for the long haul.

Those are alot of factors to consider. Its going to be a 6 month lease, but has to fit four of us, but be affordable for the three of us when trish leaves. On top of that, we want the place to be as cheap as possible for we came here to travel not to live in fancy digs. This place we paid up front, but now that we have an idea of what we make (which is not alot) the price of this place aint great either. As well, we want a place by where we work....ideally in the same location as where we live now.

So we tossed around alot of ideas. As well, this is not a great time to be looking for places....not alot of gumtree, which are private sales. So we resorted to an agency. Agency def have more to offer but they usually charge you 150 to 180 pounds per person for their time. Me and christie and stef looked at about 4 or 5 places. All of them were OK but not great. Then one night, we were walking to the local watering hole (Lion and Lobster) which is the next street over from our place. On the cornor was a sign, THREE BEDROOM MASIONATTE 1100 pcm, FOR LET. We got the number.

At the pub we discussed the possiblity of letting trish and taylor live with us. They would have their own room and if the place is big enough, that would mean cheap rent for us. Christie set up the appointment and me and her viewed it the next day. The place is PERFECT! Theres a single room of better size then the room Im in now, and a double room of good size on the first floor. This leads into a good size living room. The bathroom on the first floor is big, bigger then our now with counter space and a large tub. Down the stairs in the basement is a small kitchen but with all the appliances and next to the kitchen is a large double ensuite. Thats right, with a private stand up shower and sink and toliet. The best part? The living room leads onto a patio! From the patio you climb fire escape ladder to the roof terreace! Summer bbq? I think so.

As well, this place is one street over from where we are now...so moving day will be less ridiculous. Dont worry, Ill take a picture of us tracking our matreess down the street. As well, we were able to get the place in a months time so we dont lose any rent. For Sarah needs a months notice from us. (Which I think is kinda snarky since she screwed us and already has a tenant, but what can you do) So now we have a better place then the one were in now, cheaper rent and bills because it will be split 5 ways, and the same location by the seafront. We could not have asked for a better situation.

We settled in beautifully to british living. We have our favorite local pub (lion and lobster) to which we can enjoy a beer after a long day at work. Random furniture with antiques and paintings on the wall. Fireplaces crackling with dogs sleeping by, serving our favorite british ales. We have made amazing friendships with our co workers who ask about our day, help us when we need it and share some laughs on a night out. Even the shopping at Primark is cheap...6 pounds for a nice top. Well within our budget.

Were even staying true to our commitment to travel. Funds are low so we are careful about our money. Def dont eat out or shop like we did back home. We booked our trip to Dublin and Amsterdam. Stef and I also booked our trip to Rome for easter to meet up with my parents.

Of course, classic us...we may have left the Dublin booking for St. Patricks day a bit late. Our flights were dirt cheap...20pounds a person but when we went to book hostels EVERYTHING was booked for the 16th and the 17th. Of course! Its St. Patricks day in Dublin! However, fortune smiles on us. Rob who we backpacked with for a bit in October came to our rescue.

There will be 7 of us. Us four girls and our friends from Canada, Rob, Holly and her sister. Rob found us an apartment for us to share in the heart of festivities! Affordable and sure to be a great time. After Dublin, we fly to Amsterdam to continue our vacation. Me and stef are staying for a couple of days and the rest are going to Amsterdam for 5 days. We are all very excited!

So, there is the long over due update on our lives. As you can see, Brighton agress with us. It was hard work to get where we are...but it was worth it.