The winter blues...its February, it's cold, dark by 6pm and you are in a down mood. If that sounds like you, you're not alone. Lately I have been feeling unmotivated and been trying to think of ways to get out of it. So came up with a couple ways to keep busy and turnaround my mood so as not to fall victim to the winter blues.

Here are a few thought starters, but would like this to be an expanding list so please add your thoughts and ideas on how you try and cope with the winter blues.

1. Expand your mind
Take a course or class in something that interests you. Having a regular commitment keeps you out and about and off the couch.

2. Take a vacation, mini or major.
Whether its a weekend in Niagara or a week in Cuba, get away for a change of scenary.

3. Get up and do something...around the house!
If you have been meaning to paint that room or check something off your reno to do list, get it done. nothing like the sense of accomplishment from completing tasks.

4. Have some friends over.
Have a game or movie at your house. serve some appetizers or do a potluck.

How do you get through the winter? Share your ideas and lets get through this winter in a good mood.

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January 16, 2012
Day 10 

So after taking a break for a few days, I was ready to try Scuba diving again. When I first got to Sydney, I went for my first open water dive and was having a lot of troubles with my ears. I think it must of had something to do with the pressure from the plane and then the pressure underwater. I just got off a plane and then within a couple hours, right into dive training. Although they had said it was ok to have it so close together, my ears felt another way. I still had trouble with my ears the day after. The ears, as well as the long wait and weather conditions made my first experience not the greatest. However rather then give up, I decided to give it another shot...and here I am.

This experience proved to be a lot better. The weather was nice, the water calm and I had the pleasure of one-on-one training with a dive master...very cool and a vast improvement from my first day.

The training went well. The first very smooth, the second ok and then on the third I think I was getting too much water and pressure on my ears and was ready to call it a day. Was a bit unfortunate because I was doing so well at all the skills and everything, was just having trouble with equalization on my ears. However, at the end of it all... I am now a Certified PADI Scuba Diver. Course complete and i'm ready for the Great Barrier Reef...

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January 15, 2012
Day 8  - Longrains in Sydney

After yesterday, today was going to be a chillaxing day. Which consisted of a bit of shopping and a bit of sightseeing. Today the highlight for me would definitely be dinner. We dressed up and went for dinner at this place called Longrains. I have to say the food was incredible.

It was a fancy Thai fusion and since I'm not much of a foodie (I just eat the food not critic it) the only way I can explain it is that it was extremely flavorful and delicious. Our starter was a mint leaf with some veggies and suchin it,which apparently opened up the palette. So good! And then for the food itself... Wow! We ordered a dish that had egg net, beansproats, and shrimp...as well as a curry dish. Was so delicious and flavourful it's hard to explain unless you taste it. A bit pricey, but we would definitely recommend it.

http://longrain.com/

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January 14, 2012
Day 7  - Hunter Valley, Australia

So today we woke up early to go on a hunter valley wine tour. Had received numerous recommendations to check it out and definitely had to add it to itinerary. Although we had to wake up early, it was definitely worth it. The wine tour we went on took us to several places, and the servings were VERY generous. All the wineries we visited were great and the hosts very knowledgeable. We visited several wineries and the view and wine was absolutely magnificent. Took tons of pictures and enjoyed several glasses of wine... Think I learned a thing or two about wine as well. Imagine that! My friend and I bought a few bottles to take home for enjoyment which will hopefully tie us over for the remaining of the trip. At the end of the excursion, we also got to go for cheese and chocolate tasting. A great way to end a beautiful day!

 Once I got home, I was exhausted! I think a day of sun and wine really tires one out. Although the thought of getting in my yoga pants and curling up on the couch sounded appealing, I knew I had to get up and enjoy a Saturday night in Sydney. We had a blast checking out some of the local pubs and clubs, and once we got home I can safely say I was done for the night.

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This Valentines Day, my boyfriend and I along with some friends headed out to Niagara Falls for a romantic night on the day of love and romance. We had got a deal on a room/dinner package so thought it would be a great idea and an excuse to get away for the night.

We had a great night with great company, a wonderful dinner at the Keg overlooking the falls, a falls view hotel room... very nice! However, I was a bit disappointed with the lack of things going on in Niagara Falls on Valentines Day. Niagara is often known as a romantic place for couples, however on a day that is "supposed" to be one of the most romantic ones of the year, there really wasn't much going on there. The falls weren't lit up (would of been great to light them up red), none of the nightclubs were open (I called in advance and they said they wouldnt be open). We ended up having a great night together, was just a bit surprised the city doesnt take advantage of the day, especailly when all the hotels were marketing and giving deals. Theres so many things they could of done to take advantage of the day (chocolate workshops, the falls lit up, theme night at the nightclubs/bars, etc)  Just feels like a missed opportunity. We still had a wonderful time regardless and will be back soon enough... maybe just on another day :-)

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January 13, 2012
Day 6 - Bondi Beach... and UGG Hunt

So today I was feeling a bit rough, I guess that's what a few drinks and a night of dancing can do to you. My plan today... no plan. We woke up and decided to play it by ear. As we slowly got ourselves together and organized and adding some food into the equation, thought it would be a perfect day for shopping and the beach.

We first headed down to the CBD (Central Business District) which was a short walk from my friend's place in Surrey Hills. As we browsed through the stores, I was on a mission... UGGS. Must get UGGS. The selection of UGGS was crazy! Where to start? How to find the perfect style I want? How much to spend? I was too tired to make such decisions, so did a bit of window shopping and then off to the beach.

We headed on the bus to Bondi Beach and as soon as I saw the beach, I felt rejuvenated. I couldn't wait to jump in the water and lay on the sand. The water was beautiful, and the beach was packed. One side for swimmers, the other for surfers. When I saw the people surfing, I thought "that would be awesome to try". However, maybe not today. and maybe when I get a bit of practice. Those waves were pretty crazy. The water was so nice I can't even describe how good it felt. After a swim, and laying on the beach it's crazy how quickly time flies. About 5 hours later and I was super tanned and totally relaxed. I think everyone needs a good beach day every so often.

Later that night we were supposed to meet friends at Opera Bar. Unfortunately we took so long at the beach and were so relaxed by the time we got there they left. However, I have to admit that the Opera House looks beautiful at night.    

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January 12, 2012
Day 5 - Taronga Zoo and a night out in Sydney


Woke up today and my ears were still bothering me from the day before. I had hesitations about diving the same day I landed but went ahead after I was reassured by the dive shop I could. Unfortunately was a bit too much for the ears and the following day my ears were feeling very uncomfortable. Thinking about the safety of my ears, I had to cancel the full day of diving (which was a bit disappointing), but decided to head to Taronga Zoo.

After a bit of figuring out and exploring, I took the ferry over to the zoo from Darling Harbour. The ferry ride was great and you get to see so much of the harbour. Sydney has a spectacular harbour and have to say I have never seen anything like it. For $50 with Captain Cook Cruises I got a ferry ticket and admission to Taronga Zoo. I could of went without the attitude from the sales woman (who didn't seem very happy to be working), but with that aside it was a very nice ferry ride. I was able to explore the harbour and learn a thing or two about the islands.

The zoo was great. A lot of walking and definitely bring a map. I got to have a "koala encounter" which was cool but not quite worth the money. Basically you get to meet a koala and take pictures...the only thing is it cost $20 and apparently it's against the law in New South Wales to touch them so you just stand beside it. Plus it was sleeping! $20 to get a picture taken and doesn't even have to be up... I think he's got it pretty good!

All in all though the zoo was a good experience. I saw so many animals including going into a pen with wallabies. Such a different experience from going to the zoo in Toronto where everything is in cages. Whereas here you can get a bit closer to the animals.  

Once my friend got off work we headed to a BBQ at one of her coworkers house. It was nice getting to hangout with some Australians over some food and a couple drinks. After eating we played board games over some drinks, then my friend and I headed out for a night on the town and what a night it was! We headed out to a couple local night spots for drinks and dancing. Was hard to find a good place at first as everything was a bit scattered around... and it was a Thursday night. However, ended up being an awesome unexpectednight out with dinner and dancing! Although I couldn't help but compare the nightlife scene to that of Toronto and would have to say (without being biases) that the Toronto scene rocks. A lot more dancers and open a lot later... So I tried to represent for Toronto.

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January 10, 2012/ January 11, 2012

So it's day 4... Well I think it's day 4, with all the changes in time I don't even know what time it is anymore.

I'm in Sydney and can't believe I'm finally here. I don't think it's actually kicked in yet. So where to begin.... The flight was comfortable but long. This was by far the longest flight I've been on, plus the largest plane - an Airbus A380. A pretty cool plane I have to admit. I have to give Quantas credit because they really tried to make the flight as comfortable as possible. Blankets, pillows and headphones to start, not to mention the all the food and drinks. Was great! I was so impressed with the customer service and care I received from the attendants on that flight. Was definitely the best airline experience to date. I tried to nap on the plane and was able to get about 8 hours on and off of sleep in. It's pretty hard to sleep when your on a plane and in your head have the anticipation of the trip to come. Not to mention, I think Im all caught up on movies for awhile. Once I landed, then it kicked in...im not in North America anymore. The heat that blasted me as I left the airport was a far cry from the cold winter jacket I was use to back home.

When I arrived to my friends house, I was so happy to see her. It has been almost a year since she moved here and talking via email and Skype just isn't the same. After some catching up and orienting myself, she headed off to work and I to scuba diving training. With 4 open waters to go until PADI certification I was eager to get it started.

Now I'm not going to lie, exploring Sydney on my own only a couple hours into the trip was a bit intimidating and although I did get a bit lost, I made it.

So my first open water experience in Sydney didn't go as well as expected. Once I got there, they told me they were running a bit late and it would be a 2 hour wait (ended up being more like a 3 hour wait). But with that aside, it was the dive itself which wasn't exactly what I was expecting. Climbing down rocks with all my scuba equipment on a windy day, with poor visibity, wasnt exactly what I was looking forward to, but I still went along with it. Once it was over I was glad to get home. As I nursed sore ears as a result of the plane and diving, and a bit of jet lag I looked forward to catching up with my friend over a couple glasses of wine.

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