Patience Carries a lot of "Wait"

4 young women. 3 young men. 4 bedrooms. 7 perspectives. 1 house.

I am going into my sixth week here in OZ and every day brings about a new adventure, more laughs, more 'I miss yous,' more planning, more nights out.... and more time together with the housemates. If there is one thing I have learned from my time here and living in a house with 6 other mates, just as excited as I am to take this experience for all that it's worth, is that *patience is a virtue*

Bring seven, diverse 20-year-old strangers together, (well okay, I did know Steve and Steph beforehand), put them in a beautiful terrace house in Sydney, add sun, fun, and Aussie accents...take away supervision, and you have yourself a second season of MTV's 'Real World: Sydney."

I have been fortunate enough to have gotten the best roommate my first year at Denison. Eileen and I have lived together since our first year on the hill when we shared the smallest room in Shorney Hall, throwing any notion of 'personal space' out of the window. We just "clicked" and it works; and I've never appreciated her so much until I realized how complicated it could be to live with so many people. (Love you Eileenyyyyyy!)

The house is a completely different experience for me. With 2 floors, 3 bathrooms, a living room and full kitchen- there is never a dull moment in the house. Whether its the chefs of the house reenacting another episode of "My Kitchen Rules" and cooking up a 3-course meal downstairs, or the crew jammin' to the "Power Hour" playlist before heading out, the in-and-out of visitors, the youtube clips followed by minutes of constant laughter, and recently, the sounds of broken glass coming from the shattered bottles our neighbor seems to like to throw on our patio- you know you have entered "the spot." And in the midst of this high-energy, adrenaline-driven household, I have learned to practice patience. Whoever said patience is not active is mistaken; on the contrary, it IS active; it is concentrated strength :)

We all have our moments (Yes, even YOU), and most of the time we don't know where they come from. I will be the first to admit that I tend to be moody from time-to-time (Okay mami, after all these years, I can see what you're talking about!) I have learned this about myself and realize how this may affect the people around me. During these moments, when I feel a swing, I am learning the importance of examining my feelings. Not only has this helped me be a "better" person to live with, but taking a pulse check and being patient has taught me how to live with others and accept their "moments." It was an epiphany!


But, it is easier said than done. Being patient is not being indifferent or cowardly! To me, it is when you are able to simply witness your feelings and those around you instead of reacting to them instinctively. This way you allow yourself to understand and empathize, giving you (and me) the capacity to be our happiest with what we have been faced with.

"Patience in the present, faith in the future, and joy in the doing" --Source Unknown

On another note in the life of Shavely, emotions were high this past week!


This past Thursday the interns were fortunate enough to be a part of a special night where we volunteered our time to help set-up, work and clean-up at the "OperArtUnity" Event. "OperArtUnity" was an exclusive fundraising event to support Opportunity International Australia's micro-financing programs to help end the poverty cycle.

Hosted at 'ArtEst Art School' (Stephanie's internship site), the night combined the powerful voices of opera singers, a silent auction, a unique art exhibition and fine wines and delicious gourmet food! The saris decorated the walls of the studio and the dimmed lights and candelabras set the mood for the evening event. I was busy serving food (and eating in the kitchen), while some of the interns poured bottle after bottle of red and white wines. The event was a great success, raising over $15,000 dollars and transforming 250 lives.


On Saturday morning, Steve, Steph and I woke up bright and early for the infamous "Spit Bridge to Manly Beach" walk. This walk, or rather hike, is a 10km (about 6 miles) bushwalk track leading you through the most amazing views of the Middle Harbour. What a surprise! The walk took about 4 hours and it was well worth it! This was definitely a "Life is Good" moment. As they say about Manly Beach, "7 miles from Sydney, thousand miles from care" . You have no worries as you gaze out into the picturesque views that Sydney has to offer. On our way home (no we did not walk back!), we rode Sydney's famous Manly Ferry back to the city. Perfect way to close the perfect day.

Australia has taught me to Breathe In and Be Patient; that's the best we can do.

I will leave you with this quote I jotted down today while visiting the Sydney Jewish Museum: "How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world" -- Anne Frank, Diary of a Young Girl




Love.Peace. &(Patience)
Shavely

Let A Smile Be Your Umbrella : )

How are you feeling today?

What made you smile; better yet, who made you smile today? Have you laughed today or told someone you love them?


Given, sometimes a few tears must fall, but happiness comes at times to all. I am thinking of those "feel good moments." You know, the moments when you can't help but just stop, smile and say "Thank you"-- I thank God at these moments, but you may just take pleasure in taking a second to let it all in. I'm talking about the small things in life, something I learned to do from my best friend Maria Adela. For example, I love it when my favorite song plays on the radio while I'm driving on the highway or how my stomach hurts after laughing, probably at myself. I remember so many times when I just stopped mid-walk on my way to class on the hill to take in the scenery (it really is a beautiful campus)or how the sun kissing my cheek reminds me that Maria will always be with me. These moments make me feel alive.

This week I found myself wrapped up in these moments, thankful that I was in Australia :)

* Taking the bus to my internship is great. I have to take one bus and the stop is right in front of the 2-story glass MAC store. Every so often (meaning since I've started my internship this has happened once) I decide to walk from my internship back to the house. It is a one hour walk and one very long street. I had about 100 pages or so left to read of "Dear John" and I had gotten out early from work, and I thought, 'what the heck'- I'll walk home and read! As I flipped through pages and pages of the romantic novel, I stopped: okay, I'll admit it was because the pedestrian walking signal was red, but I looked up from the book and just took in my surroundings; there were buses zooming through the city streets. Nearby I could hear jazz music coming from a man playing the saxophone, hoping that someone would snap out of their zombie-like walk to hear the music filling the air and drop a few coins in his hat laying in front of him. Across the street I saw people enjoying their lunches on the steps beside the Martin Place fountain (I just learned it was in the film the Matrix). The vibe of the city was high, the sun was shining, "Dear John" was carrying me through a beautiful love story.... and I couldn't have been any happier. At that moment, I smiled and thought, "life is good."

* Even a windy day on the beach is great...when you're in Australia! The crew and I went to Bondi Beach early Saturday morning to check out the Surfing Competition. Having survived the car ride was reason enough to be thankful (our mate, Mike, bought a car, and having a 20-year old American boy drive on the opposite side of the road and navigate to the beach is its own experience) yet, as I sat on the beach watching the surfers and stared out to the ocean, I couldn't picture myself anywhere else.

* At school, I would go to run at our lovely window-less gym facilities, that is, when there wasn't an "out of order" sign on the machine. In Australia, Shauna and I get to run outside at the University of Sydney's Main Quadrangle, the heart of Aussie’s oldest university(completed in 1859)-- take that for a change in scenery, eh? Whenever I think of stopping, I look up and think to myself, "I'm running in Australia" .... again, "life is good."


* This past Sunday Steve and I were able to catch a taxi to Parramata City for 'Kai Fech' at Riverside Theaters for a "total African drum and dance experience." What a show! Lead percussionist, Pape Mbaye, took us to the heat of West Africa "with no visa or passport" (haha, he was funny too) to enjoy the sounds and instruments of the group. It was when Pape pulled me out of the audience to dance (with an extra nudge from Steve), that I was reminded of how much I love to perform and dance! Along with the funny video Steve was able to capture of me, I couldn't help but smile as I danced to the beat (making sure I held my dress!). Steve and I left feeling so energized from the show that we took the train to Sydney Harbour for some seafood and ice cream!

As I stood on the boardwalk and gazed at the Sydney Harbour Bridge to my left, lit up against the summer night's sky, and looked over to the Sydney Opera House, a masterpiece in itself --- I knew that as long as I live I would never forget that moment .

Take in the moments that make you feel alive! Smile often, cherish the people who make you laugh, and overuse 'I Love You.'

"LIFE is not the amount of breaths you take, it's the moments that take your breath away."

Live.Laugh.Love
Shavely

Going the Distance

At Denison, I was living life in the fast lane; my days started early and ended late, and in between was a race. I raced from classes to meetings, meetings to group meetings, group meetings to one-on-ones, one-on-ones to .... yes, you get the picture. But I loved it-- I love getting through a day and knowing I put my best foot out there and did all I could do. And yet, life often throws curve balls your way-- many will dodge them and keep on going, some will fall and not take the time to either get up and continue or, even worse, get up without reflecting on why they fell, and some, well some will take a moment to pause.

Studying abroad has given me time to live life on the slow lane- it has been my pause. Every experience I have had here has given me a different perspective and a new lens to appreciate, reflect and enjoy the opportunity I have been given.

For example, I began my internship this past Tuesday, interning at Channel 7/Channel 7 Gymnasium. Under the guidance of Lachlan, I will be working at the gym, writing articles for their newsletter "Live Simply," completing an 8-week long trainer's workshop (more details to follow), and working on Lachlan's PR along with Channel 7 for his run, "Run4Mum."



The Channel 7 building stands tall amidst the several historical buildings that form the hub of the business district at Martin Place and home to the most prestigious fashion labels-- it is like the fashion of Newbury Street in Boston. This iconic public space in Sydney is corporate Australia brought to life from the hundreds of pedestrians shopping, drinking, dining, or meeting for lunch outside of the steps. Entertainment is also a highlight! The first day I sat outside as I watched the taping of a movie scene and the next afternoon characters from "Alice in Wonderland" were acting out scenes of the movie to promote its release that weekend. I love commuting to work every day, seeing all of the people dressed in suits and high- waisted skirts.



...And then there is Lachlan, slim and fit, cutting across the district as he runs to the 10th floor of Channel 7, in his running sneakers and shorts, to the gymnasium. This is one of the two gym he manages in Sydney, with a third to open while I am here (which is exciting since I will be able to get exposure in all three gyms). It was when Lachlan took me for a 2 hour walk on my first day at work when I realized there was something special about him. This walk through the city, although it felt more like a brisk jog at his pace, truly gave me insight to love and passion-- it was my "pause" for the week.

Lachlan told me about his "Run4Mum". As I managed to ask questions in between short breaths I was able to learn about his race and his life in the fast lane; yet his tracks will leave footprints in my heart.

Lachlan is going the distance this July. A former paratrooper in the Australian Army, and now a Physical Training Instructor and Endurance Runner, Lachlan is conducting a 4,200km ultra marathon to raise awareness for postnatal depression. (4,200 km is equivalent to 2,609.759 miles). He will be running an average of 100km (62.137 miles) a day with two rest days each week-- over a 2-month period Lachlan will be running about the equivalent of 100 marathons. His motivation? -- His wife, Belinda.

Just over a year ago, his wife Belinda (Bel) gave birth to their first child, a gorgeous baby boy named Bailey. Imagining this would be the happiest time of their life, they were thrown a curve ball that turned out to be the most difficult experience either of them had ever faced. By the time their son was three weeks old, it was clear that something was not quite right with Bel; something that went well beyond the ‘baby blues’. After two weeks of what could only be described as a living nightmare, Bel was diagnosed with Postnatal Depression and they were fortunate enough to finally be able to secure a place in one of the 8 beds that exist in the only 'Mother and Baby' unit in New South Wales.

Since that time, Bel and Lachlan have undertaken a huge journey of understanding and recovering from Postnatal Depression. Bel is now moving forward and is basking in the love and life of her husband and baby boy. Bel has been writing of her experiences and sharing her journey in her blog “give.love.get.love” (http://www.givelovegetlove.blogspot.com)

However, they realized this is not the happy ending for many couples in Australia. Statistics show astoundingly that around one in six women who give birth in Australia will experience a form of Postnatal Depression. Their biggest realization from their experience is the huge lack of awareness and understanding of this illness and the limited facilities available for treatment and recovery for those who suffer from Postnatal Depression. Needless to say, they are passionate about generating greater awareness of this mental illness.

Throughout my time here, I am grateful to be working alongside Lachlan. His passion and love lead him in his daily life and it is inspiring for me to "pause" and see why he races in life-- a long-distance race with hope in his heart.

So-- have a field day! Find something you're passionate about, whether it is awareness for a cause or giving 100 % in your day. Find a reason for the need for speed and make new tracks-- that is what LIFE is about.

<3 Do not sprint to the finish line but enjoy the feeling of the freedom in running, the fresh air, the feeling that the only person you have to compete with everyday, is YOURSELF***



The rest of the week I was able to:
* Book my spring break trip with Stephanie & Shauna to Fiji Islands for the end of this month
* Book a trip to New Zealand in May to visit Maggie Hoskin (Denisonian) with Stephanie
* On Friday, all of the interns went to see the play, 'Orestes 2.0' by Charles Mee at SBW Stables Theatre in Kings Cross
* How could I forget; I sprained my ankle Friday afternoon :) .... it actually hurt pretty badly, and I was limping on my walk back home
* Saturday, sprained ankle and all, I went to COOGEE BEACH for the Brazilian Carnaval. It was a great way to end the week.

....until next time

Live.In.Love my family and friends,
Shavely

All We Need is LOVE; Happy Mardi Gras, Sydney!

"Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?" ~Ernest Gaines

Saturday evening was a night for the books! The Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade was a spectacle not to be missed -- I mean, you couldn't if you tried! The parade brought in hundreds of thousands of people onto Oxford St. for the flamboyant event that included 100 floats, marches, dances, and some 9,500 performers! The Mardi Gras is THE event to top off the Gay/Lesbian festival which runs for about 3-4 weeks; the festival has fabulous theater, music, dance and fairs to celebrate gay pride. This year's theme was: "Mardi Gras- History of the World."



I was so excited to be one amongst the thousands of people on the street eagerly supporting and cheering the glitz and glamour of the event. It was truly an experience to see the support the event had from the broader community.

Flashback: The inaugural 1978 march was staged at a time when male homosexuality was still illegal in New South Wales state and ended with more than 50 arrests as police and protesters clashed. Police and members of the military now join the parade.

The event was truly an experience I will never forget; getting dressed and going out- just to be on the street that night was exhilarating :) It opened my eyes to a whole new world...celebrating diversity by coloring outside of the lines!!

LOVE.PEACE.& RAINBOWS
Shavely