Life as a kept man

Well it's been a while since we've last had an update, so it is definitely overdue! Things have definitely started to heat up here in Brisbane, and the rather mild and wet winter is behind us. We were pretty jealous of some of the hot weather back at home in the past months, but now it's our turn for the heat. While neverending summer does sound like paradise, and it probably is, everyday of 27, for now, takes getting used too. It's nice to never need a coat, but we're not quite at the point where we're just in flip flops all the time. If you are not a fan of sweating, I'm not sure if an Australian summer is for you...

Since my birthday I've been enjoying a little vacation from working, so Andrea and I have switched roles and now I'm the one at home cooking and cleaning. I am really enjoying the role reversal and it does allow me a lot of time to catch up on video games, relaxing, working out, and cooking. The day is pretty relaxing, but still things need to get done, and get done they sure do, the Chris Miller way. Andrea just commented the other day that my bed making efforts as of late have been the best she`s ever seen. Funny how spending all day at home makes you feel more proud of your daily chore accomplishments. 
 
I was very lucky to spend a week fishing and sailing with Uncle Errik and we even spent a weekend at Stradbroke Island, which is a large island off the coast of Brisbane that is largely nature reserve. We were very kind fishermen and didn`t bother the fish too much, spent our evenings at the pub and toured the island. It was really pretty there and it was a great vacation.

 One night on our way to the jetty for fishing we saw a Koala chillin`in the middle of the road and then during our late night fishing expedition we saw two dolphins swimming and playing in the shallows not more than 5m away from us for over two hours! It was really a great time. The beaches aren't crowded at all, in fact, from these photos you can see that we were the only people there! They renovated one of the biggest pubs, it may in fact be the only pub, and there's a shot of me enjoying a nice schooner of Blue Tongue.

I`ve also been spending some time watching the Oiler games and chatting with the folks via skype. Let`s just say that I`ll keep chatting with the folks...not sure about the Oiler games. Kidding asside, they have a lot of problems but they are fairly fun to watch most of the time.

We`re planning a little trip back to Mooloolaba for Andrea`s birthday next weekend and it should be another great time. School kids are out here and each year their graduation celebration is called `Schoolies`. This celebration usually consists of thousands of kids flocking to the Gold Coast, having rented apartments or accommodation a year in advance, and drinking and driving and generally causing mayhem which usually results in several arrest, injuries, and deaths. Let`s just say we won`t be heading to the Gold Coast in the next two weeks!

Right now I`m spending some time trying to plan our our big two month New Zealand/Australia tour starting in February, which should be a great time! As of now the plan is to come home in Early April, exactly one year since we left. Time seems to be flying by and we'll be home in no time.