Manly Beach Sydney Australia

Looking Back on Why I Decided to Move to Australia

Below you find the very first post I wrote over 4 years ago. I have republished this for all my recent readers to get a feel for my hot messiness from the start.

“Hey Mich, wanna hear something cray cray?” –  Casually asks a co-worker.

“Of course, alwayyyyysssss” –  I curiously reply.

“You are moving to Australia in a month, like Australia, like… holy shit, you’re crazy!!?!” –  She screams.

“Prettyyyy Much!”

I suppose this is where I should begin my introduction and already make my first apology for using the term ‘cray cray’ and cussing (Ear muffs). But hey! It was a direct quote and you might as well get a head start on getting to know the author if you don’t already 🙂

Hot Mes Goes TO OZ

My name is Michelle, and I decided to create a blog to capture, record, document etc etc., this daring decision of mine to pack up, sell all my shit, and move to Australia. My posts will cover everything and anything about this experience starting today (a month till take off) and ending ummm…hopefully with a hot Aussie and a pet penguin! (FINGERS CROSSED).

I will cover everything from food to beaches, to douchebags and bars – Pretty much my whole experience.  Expect to find a laugh here and a cry there while trying not to get to distracted by my OH SO AMAZING grammar skills (said no one, ever). Run on sentences? Oh ya! We love those here!  Weird references? Yup, as normal as blueberry pie. I write like I talk, and I talk how I feel, so just be prepared for a more realistic writing flow and not one of a serious writer with a stick up their ass. I am not shy, nor afraid to express myself, so the chances of thinking to yourself, “WOW TMI” at any given time, is highly probable.

Hot Mess? awwwwww yes, how does one explain this? I would describe it more as an experience really lol.. but hmm let’s go with this…I am primarily made of loosely organized chaos, with thoughts and actions being pretty unpredictable at any given time. As you will soon enough find out, I can be a bit all over the place at times.  I am, just like the current state of my room is a weeeeee bit of a unique mess, an interesting mess….. a HOT MESS.

WHY BLOG AND FOR WHOM?

  • For my memory, or lack of thereof.
  • For my kids one day to be able to look back and see how awesome their mom was #truestory.
  • For anyone who is looking for inspiration to do something they never thought they could do.
  • For my mom so she doesn’t cry. HI MOM! I LOVE YOU.
  • For anyone who loves living vicariously through others adventures.

General Rule: This blog is NOT for those who are haters slash trolls (or whatever you negative bully people are called). I understand writing publicly on the web sets one up for criticism. But, Screw that! Be nice or be quiet. Also..not for anyone who goes crazy when people let past, present and future tenses party together at the same time ( I’m sure many readers have already pulled out all their hair in frustration ….annnndddddd, you’re welcome) 🙂

No bad vibes allowed here, move along now, please and thank you.

 Why am I moving so freaking far away?

I have had many failed attempts at trying to live abroad over the past 6 years. Germany twice, Italy, and now Australia for the 3rd  freaking time. But due to incorrect timing and  an inadequate amount of courage, it just was never done. It wasn’t until this past year where I felt as if my life was becoming as bland as a bar of soap! (And not even the kind that at least leaves residue).

No love life! At all! Feelings? Huh! I think someone killed all my butterflies – The closest thing I have come to a relationship in the past 2 years is my relationship with Cowboy Bark  from Trader Joes (so good, so good)!

 14 Hour Work Days –Between my job and my MBA Program, my life was becoming more routine than my coworkers morning bowel movements.

Orange County. Vapid – is a term I heard recently and now can’t imagine describing The OC in any other way. Though beautiful, the only culture I have been able to find here exists in my daily consumption of cheese.

Anyways, there was not a single day that would go by where I wasn’t daydreaming about Australia and  I knew there was only one way to make it stop – To finally SHUT UP, stop talking about it and actually DO IT.

But why Australia? – You ask…..

YOU ALL ASK…

Well, let me briefly tell you just a couple reasons why…

Reason #1 The Beaches

As someone who loves the ocean and living at the beach as much as I do, living along the coast of OZ is a no-brainer.

Have you seen these beaches?? Have you!?!  Let me show you

Manly Beach Australia
Manly Beach
ByronBay_Bay.jpg
Byron Beach
Bondi Beach

Reason #2: THE PEOPLE

Till this day, I have never met an Australian I did not like.  Sydney has some fun people! This could be a bit biased because of my unknown lifelong love for them. But regardless, I am a fan. Friendly, relaxed, a bit crazy – what’s not to love?

6763906587_0ef6e21541_b.jpg

medianet_width = “600”;
medianet_height = “250”;
medianet_crid = “932216742”;
medianet_versionId = “3111299”;

Reason #4, 5, 6: THE SURFERS, THE MEN, THE ACCENTS

The men are hot, ok?

Exhibit A. Go ahead Julian Wilson, help assist with this little demonstration.

Get it now! No?! Well, then I guess I will just have to keep going!

Exhibit B. Chris Hemsworth, take it away!

“What do you expect to find in Australia?”

I don’t really know, and I think that’s the beauty of it. The one thing I am sure of is that I will continue to find myself and grow as a person. Get cultured? Discover new ideas? Fall in love? Travel to unknown lands? Experience vegemite? Embrace weird animals? Stalk surfers? Huh!? What!?!..

I am going to LIVE, that’s what.

Even if this living consists of getting my heart broken the first month I arrive or frantically looking for a job as my bank account quickly diminishes, or I am forced into sleeping on a strangers hammock because I have no place to live…

I AM CRAVING THIS…ALL OF THIS… EVERY OUNCE OF THIS!! 

Conclusion

As of the moment…

Do I “TECHNICALLY” know anyone in Australia… erm well…..

Do I “TECHNICALLY” know where I am going to live… um, hmmm…

Do I “TECHNICALLY” know where I am going to work… uhhh

I am aware this sounds just absolutely crazy to many of you.  But for me, this feels right.  Till this day I have never felt so sure about myself as I did when I applied for my visa, when I bought that one-way plane ticket, and when I quit my job.  And no, I am not stupid or naive and think everything is just going to be so easy peasy. I do not expect to arrive in Sydney with the cast of Australian’s Thunder Down Under waiting for me at the airport, with frozen yogurt in one hand and baby turtles in the other (Although, if anyone has the urge to arrange this.. by all means).  I want people to understand why I am doing this, I really do. But at the same time, just like many other aspects of my life, it’s more likely I will be misunderstood, and frankly, I’m perfectly okay with that.

You don’t understand it? Great! You don’t need to.

This is my Journey, not yours.

But  I would love for you all to ride along

<3 Hot Mess

 

Writing requests, questions, and comments are welcome below 🙂

Originally published 2/26/14

76 Comments

  1. Hey there Michelle! How exciting for you. Just be safe. I will be following along. Take care, Love, your Dad’s first ex-wife. Love ya

  2. Cant wait for this to get rolling! Nice Start!

  3. Good luck Michelle! Il be living in Perth towards the end of the year so if you ever find yourself on the west coast let me know! Although I know Aussies say in can be boring compared to Sydney but it’s still beautiful!

  4. “Till this day, I have never met an Australian I did not like. This could be a bit biased because of my unknown life long love for them. But regardless, I am a fan. Friendly, fun, relaxed, a bit crazy – what’s not to love?”

    There’s douchebags everywhere, but it’s what you make of the that matters. As a fellow ex-pat (from Canada), let me welcome you to the place I now call home. All the best in your travels.

    1. I’ve have heard this too hah. Luckily for me, I’ve been living in a beach city where they take up most of the population so I am hoping to just ignore them 🙂 I plan to have many douchbags posts coming left and right once I arrive. Thank you for the heads up!

  5. Michelle,

    You’re doing it!!! Our loss is Australia’s gain. If anyone could embark on something so life-changing and adventurous, it would be you! We are proud and very excited for you. Big things are happening, and there are lots of extraordinary adventures in your future!! We will be checking this blog often to live vicariously through you, so you best be updating it on the reg!
    It will be strange to not have you here. Aly and I were talking about an inflatable raft party in Az in June, agreeing that you would have loved to go if only you’d still be here! Regardless, I believe in what that palm reader said- a new job and big bucks are in your future, and you will no longer have to live two lives but choose your authentic one.
    We can’t wait to see what sorts of shenanigans you get up to in Oz, and share in them through you!

    1. Aww thanks!! I love you guys and cant wait for you guys to come visit meeeeee 🙂

  7. Thanks for your like on my blog! It sounds like you’ve got a wonderful adventure ahead of you. May all of your trips down here be splendid, and your adventures wild. They say, once you come to Oz, you can’t ever really go home. I’m incredibly lucky to call it home in the first place; maybe just you’ll find a little piece of “home” here too. Best of luck for all of your travels–make it great.
    Riley

    1. Thanks for your encouragement! I cant wait to call OZ my new home 🙂

  8. Living in Australia is amazing! I did it for two years switching between Melbourne and Sydney. It’s a big leap heading off somehwere new but you’ll learn a lot about yourself and you’ll be better for it! Feel free to send me an email if you want and I would be happy to share some details about getting settled in either Melbourne of Sydney with housing and work. If not, good luck and just enjoy it!

    1. I definitely will take you up on that offer! I will take all the help I can get 🙂

    1. Aw I love that I always here that everyone loves it. Seriously, not a single person has told me otherwise. I can’t wait 🙂

  11. From the land of the maple leaf(?) to the land of meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars… err well maybe not Holden cars for much longer… you get the drift. Big move.

    Hope you enjoy your time here, and thanks for stopping by my blog

  12. Wow! So inspiring! Best of luck and I’m looking forward to reading your adventures. Keep us all posted… Enjoy every minute xx

  13. good luck with your move. if i can make it work in santiago then i’m sure you will

  14. Great reasons to come her to Australia – you will love the beaches… except you may have just missed the prime time to be at the beach BUT our winters here are really not that brutal so you could still get away with going when the sun makes an appearance especially up north.
    Look forward to hearing what you got to say about us here in Australia when you get here!

    1. Aww yes I cant wait for it to be summer again, thank you I bet i will still love them 🙂

  15. Moving to Australia on my own was the best decision I ever made.

    Hope it works out for you too!

  16. As a fellow traveler I am very envious of your plans! From what I’ve experienced, as long as you are friendly and keep an open mind regarding different cultures, people will welcome you wherever you go. Best of luck, I am looking forward to hearing about your travels!

  17. Even though you’re not here yet – WELCOME. Hope you find many happy, glorious sunshine-filled memories to last you a life time. If you are ever in Tassie (the BEST place in Oz) let me know, although we don’t have as warmer weather (generally) as the North of Oz, Taswegia has some of the most beautiful beaches, mountains, forests and Wilderness areas you can find anywhere.
    Wishing you all the best if your big change.
    P.S. love your post by the way. 🙂

    1. haha thank you so much 🙂 I havent heard of that city I will have to look it up, I am excited, thank you 🙂

      1. Teach me to use slang, won’t it. Tassie is Tasmania – the Island State of Australia – way down the bottom. We often get left off the map 🙂
        happy countdown

      2. Awwww yes I know of that! Haha I definitely want to make a trip down there!! 🙂

  18. Best of luck!!
    I traveled in Australia for 6 months and it is absolutely amazing. if there’s a place to find pure happiness – its there!
    and – liked your honesty very much. Keep on! (:

  19. Hello and welcome from the west coast!
    I moved to Perth from Melbourne twenty years ago, and that was culture shock enough in itself. So I know a little of what you’ve been going though.
    Good luck! And let me know if you ever get across to this side.

  20. Those first messages you got from guys on the dating sites are both funny and pitiful. How many do you think send the same message again and again?
    It reminds me of the “DOGS” scene in Spike Lee’s movie “She’s Gotta Have It”
    Look for the movie clip on YouTube.
    Good luck with the new culture.

  21. Good on ya, girl! Welcome to Oz whenever you arrive! The best decision I made many moons ago. Thanks for visiting my blog and liking my post. Cheers 🙂 Irina

  22. Enjoy your journey to Oz and hope it works out this time, I bounced back and for between England and Australia for many years until I finally settled here. It’s home now 🙂

  23. This looks like it will be a really interesting journey, to be sure!
    I’ve always wanted to do something like that…just get up and go, damn the consequences. Alas, I have too much planned. Maybe I’ll get to visit Australia or Spain..or Italy or Japan or the UK one day.
    Looking forward to living vicariously through you, and BEST OF LUCK! 😀
    Thanks for the entertaining read. :3

  25. Exciting news!! Moving to a new place is always exciting, everything theres always something new to experience and see! I hope you find lots of fun there and I can’t wait to see awesome pictures of Australia from you!!

  26. Brilliant photos! 🙂 I hope Australia treats you well!

  28. Thank you for liking my post 🙂 It sent me to yours and I LOVE that fact you are going to OZ. I was lucky enough to go for two weeks in NOvember 2012. We saw Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine coast. I.DID.NOT.WANT.TO.COME.BACK. Very jealous, and will be reading your blog so I can experience Oz magic again 🙂

  30. Thanks Michelle for the visit and like of my Aussie blog.
    You’ll have just the best time because you already have some of the Aussie spirit – love of the outdoors, up for new challenges and a healthy sense of fun.
    BTW I love the way you write, and your quote: Love every bit of your life!
    Good luck! CC from Oz

  31. Enjoyed the voice and comedy. 2014 has some travel challenges for us including our home paddock of Australia, plus the area we like to call ‘over the ditch’, New Zealand. Often called Australian’s Eastern Island. Check out my blog karenlethlean2014.wordpress.com

  32. Fanfreakintastic! Looking forward to pics, the in and outs for the soon to be world travelers here. Thank you, Your Awesome!

  33. Lovely! What an adventurous young woman you are & thank you for taking time to stop by~Sea

  34. I am so looking forward to following along on your adventures, if you ever need a hand with anything here in Sydney my wife and I would be delighted to help you out.

  36. You are funny and adorably refreshing! I will try to not be jealous as you wrestle Crocs or box Kangaroos or whatever it is that Aussies do! Obviously, I know nothing about Australia besides the fact that the accents are SEXY! Can’t wait to read more.

    1. Aww thank you so much, and yes the accent aren’t too shabby 🙂

  37. Australia is THE best. If there is one city which won’t cost you the earth to be in it’s Adelaide. There’s coffee, beaches, shops, the lot! I’m currently in Adelaide and have been for 2 months, but as you’ve probably guessed from my post I’m British. So, if you have any questions about anything during your journey I LOVE to talk travel! It’s my 3rd time here and I’m soon off to Melbourne, Sydney and Perth so I look forward to reading about how you’re getting on out here too!

    1. Thank you!!! I might questions for you as well, I love travel talk 🙂

  38. Hahahahahahah awesome post! Feel free to exchange experiences and places to go with me. I liked your blog 🙂

  39. I’m super excited for you and I don’t even know you, that’s how badly I want to go to Australia. I wish you the best of luck and I may struggle reading your blog posts due to an inappropriate mixture of excitement and jealousy.

  40. im super envious! ill be making that leap in about a year… cant wait!

  41. I understand completely and agree 100%.
    Life is short and if we aren’t doing and learning new things, we are burning daylight.
    I recently went to Japan because I was invited. I don’t speak the language at all, but I went anyway. If I waited to learn the language, I would never go. So I went for the experience and dealt (as best I could) with my lack of understanding for the language.
    Moving to Australia!! A very fascinating leap. I love the ocean. And New Zealand…I would like to go there too. Being willing to embark on an unknown adventure makes more sense to me than continuing to exist within a “vapid” lifestyle, as you say. You will have stories to tell……

  42. Thanks for reading about my own expat journey. I haven’t made it through your entire journey, but I am really enjoying you blog so far. Thanks for writing how you talk – I love bloggers that do that!

    Best,
    Caitlin

  43. Reblogged this on mini2z and commented:
    for my so who is thinking of moving to the land of OZ


  45. I have a few friends have gone there, and some that came back – they get called “Ping Pong Pomes” LOL Will you go back? My friend has been going back and forth since she was a child, she cant seem to stay in one place!

    1. Honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if I decided to go back one day! Just need to wait till I dont need so much help with my little one 🙂 I still dream constantly that I live there. It screws me up in the morning haha

      1. Down Under is such an extraordinary concept, hard to believe its all really real!! 😀 😀

Leave a Reply