Its funny how things work out, I always follow the saying ‘everything happens for a reason’. I’ve started to worry less about what the future holds for me. I still have mixed feelings about going home, but I am really excited to see what the next chapter in my life is.

At the start of the year I said goodbye to my sister after an amazing visit from her. I was left felling really alone and down after such a high. ( I hid myself in a book my sister left for 12 hours) I started to look for jobs the day after she left; internet, job centre, posters on the notice board in the hostel I was staying at, contacted all of my friendly Australian friends, face book help status ‘I NEED A JOB ASAP, HELP?’ etc

Within a week I was offered 4 jobs. One in New Zealand, three in Australia; Sydney, outback Queensland and outback Northern Territory. It is a great feeling to be ‘wanted’ and I was extremely happy feeling as if the weight had been lifted. I stress so much when I’m job hunting, although I don’t show it.

As I had 6 months left of my Australian visa I wanted to make the most of it and stay in the country so this ruled out the job in New Zealand. The interview is Sydney went well but it didn’t feel more than just an option. I declined the offer. Now I was only left with one job in Northern Territory which sounded great and I was looking forward to visiting another Australian state. As I was waiting for my cousin I had a phone call from a lady offering me a job in outback Queensland, she had seen my profile and resume online and phoned me after she had a look. It was a surprise but I had that amazing butterfly feeling on my stomach and I knew this was the job for me. The job was in a settlement in McKinlay, their claim to fame is the Walkabout Hotel which was the set for Crocodile Dundee.

That evening the hostel I joined my 5 mixed dorm room mates down stairs to the outdoor/indoor smoking area where usually goon, cigarettes and a lot of bodily fluids are shared. I spent a while chatting to a guy who was planning to hitch from Sydney to Perth. After a few hours I noticed his t-shirt. An image of the Walkabout Hotel which I educated him on. This was my sign.

I flew up later that week and have been working in the outback of Queensland for 8 weeks now. Loving life, really testing myself with what I am capable of doing. Really enjoying this valuable experience teaching on the cattle station.

In the next few weeks the annual Dirt and Dust festival in Julia Creek is being held. Triathlon for all ages and abilities, country/western music and entertainment, rodeo, best but competition, etc. looking forward to getting dirty and dusty!

I’m planning a long weekend in Sydney in Easter half term to catch up with friends and cousins living there at the moment. Cant wait. As my horoscope said today; I need a well deserved break from working hard.