Another morning bus ride, the perfect opportunity to update my blog. I've just had my birthday so there's lots I want to remember!

Our house warming BBQ a few weeks ago was a hit! The weather was ideal and me and Lauren managed the majority of cooking ourselves. We had a great turn out and with a little gentle persuasion, successfully got everyone out and on to the shore club after. I do try not to look to smug when showing friends around the 'ranch' but it's particularly hard when you're looking out from the sunny balcony:)

A few bbqs and parties filled the time until the 4 day celebration that was my birthday! Unlike me to make a big deal of it I know;)

I took a long weekend off work as I hadn't stopped since august and life has been stressful here! On the Friday i made maltesar cupcakes (big success!) and went to collect our hire car. Pretty nervous about my 1st drive in 3 months and in oz, particularly as it was automatic and I had to drive the harbour bridge by myself to collect my crew from the city. However with a little help from my housemate (and his Tom Tom) I made it! I did error once and found myself looping a 2nd drive along the bridge but I eventually found my friends and was pretty proud of my achievements!

One cupcake each later, myself, Lauren, James, christophe and Jenna made our way north, to port Stephens. We had a lovely Eco cottage near Anna bay, fully equipped with a long drop toilet!

On Saturday morning we had breakfast in nelson's bay and Lauren helped to book the weekend's activities. Car bonnet. We then went quad biking on the sand dunes, it was awesome! We then rewarded ourselves with an ice cream, sunbathe and dip on one mile beach. Very chilled:)

In the evening, we had a BBQ at the cottage (and got bitten alive) and got on the vino. We headed down to the local (and only) bar, then rsl. It was pretty poor but we had a laugh and a bit of a dance.

On account of the night life not quite being up to manly standards, we were relatively fresh for our beach horse ride on Sunday. The beach was amazing and it made me want to take up riding again. However, the horses didn't get moving as much as we would've liked but it was still fun.

Couldn't have asked for better weather and company for my birthday, we had an awesome weekend! My driving received much praise;) and I only got bitten 26 times, yes my legs are currently deformed.

On Monday, I just had a relaxed day. The weather was not so kind so I went to the local mall and got a massage. It hurt like hell but apparently I was much in need! In the evening I went out for dinner at the Bavarian beer cafe with my housemates which was a very nice end to the weekend.

Some very lovely presents this year too. You know who you are! Thank you:)

So, it's back to work now but I feel very refreshed and rested.

I'm now looking forward to the next few weeks of (hopefully) enjoying the oz summer and Christmas on the gold coast.

I hope that keeps you updated, sorry if it's been epic.

Big love xxx