OH MY GAWD!

120-2075_IMG, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

The greatest of greatest news came when I arrived at work this morning...

BERGIO IS COMING TO NETHERLANDS!

He just got matched to a Finance traineeship at ABN AMRO.

If you don't know Bergio is from Slovakia and is the kick arse AI Internal Auditor. Plus we worked together on the same MC team last year.

I cannot express how amazing it will be to live in the same city as a really close friend!

LOVE YOU BABE, AND SOOOOO EXCITED!

Waves of Positivity

• Melissa is arriving in Montreal tomorrow JUST in time for my final dinner in Canada. EXCITED!
• Bergio, ex-MC in Denmark teammate is awaiting the result of a position in ABN AMRO Amsterdam, he finds out at the end of the week. It would be awesome to live in the same city again with one of my best friends.
• Harit, Indian currently working with the Canadian MC team, is applying for an ABN AMRO position in Amsterdam - so he may also be in Netherlands in the close future. Fingers crossed!
• My Dutch Working Holiday Visa has been approved and is awaiting collection at the Embassy - so it is finally smooth sailing from this point onwards.
• Taps is also back from 6 months in India. She is in Montreal, and can also unexpectedly make my farewell dinner.
• Kristin is coming to visit me in my first weekend in Netherlands. She is driving from Germany, and we are sure to have a MEGA catchup!
• Digs, according to popular rumour is now in Amsterdam so there is a chance of seeing a fellow nomadlifer when I touchdown on Saturday night.

You know what I am talking about...

... that feeling you have in your stomach before you go on a date, or meet someone you are REALLY interested in. That excited anticipation; that nervous energy, that 'I am almost going to turn around and run in the opposite direction except I know I can't', THAT feeling.

According to my boss, it only gets worse with age.

THANKS ALOT FOR THE INFORMATION - Wouldn't you think it would get easier as you get older?

64...

...Sixty Four

...LXIV

...Even Number

...No. of Squares on a Chess Board

AND -

...The amount of luggage I can take into Amsterdam, Netherlands.

I like 64.

Well Said.

Oliver Wendell Holmes:

Greatness is not in where we stand, but in what direction we are moving. We must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it -- but sail we must and not drift, nor lie at anchor.

Picture Source: www.satine.org/images/ cying_willow.jpg

The 'Simply' Sisterhood

Simply Sisters, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Meet my 'Simply' sisters: Sofie and Vicky.

These girls have been a huge part of the last phase of my Montreal experience.

This is a rare photo with the three of us - and I will definately say that come Thursday night farewell dinner, I don't think that there will be a dry eye amongst us!

I am SOOOOO going to miss you girls!!!

LOVE YOU!

MWAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So proud I could burst...

I have just got news that the awards have been handed out at the Denmark National Conference.

LC of the Year - Odense

My goodness, I am so amazingly proud. I was working very close with these guys when I was on the National team, and it does not suprise me for a second that they have been recognised for their efforts. I heard that Jacob was speechless when he found out, and anyone that knows Jacob knows that is a rarity.

To Jacob, Helene, Morten, Irene, Margit, Signe... you guys know that you have done an amazing job. I miss you.

Danish AIESECer of the Year - Signe

I do not know where to even start with this amazing person. She is simply a ray of sunshine. I knew when I met her that she would do an amazing job - her work ethic is extroadinary. She has been working on the human resources area at the LC - and from what I hear has been having amazing results. But on a more personal note, Signe has been one of the people that I LOVED working with, and talking to when I was in Denmark. An absolute darling, and I am so very proud of you and your achievements.

I cannot wait to see you all when I come this weekend.

Love you!

ANZAC DAY

A day to never forget...

Reflection, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

I feel a permanant lump in my throat at the thought of leaving Montreal. I know I have to, I know I want the next adventure but leaving Quebec is hard.

I identify so much with the french canadian culture - the music, the people, the arts, the way of life.

It is has become a part of me.

It is me.

My farewell did nothing but confirm my great love for this place, and how it pulls at my heart strings to leave.

Some of my stronest frienships have been formed here, some of my fondest memories are within this strange province which one day hopes to be its own country (if you talk to the Quebec fundamentalists anyway).

Luckily my closest friends popped over unexpectedly last night with some special memories for me - a Caanadian Roots bag, a Canada neck chain, traditional maple syrup, a HUGE Canadian flag and the most special - a live quebecois music double CD. Sentimental presents that I will have forever from people I have grown to deeply love.

btw if you have not yet discovered Quebecois music - you are simply missing out.

...comes and comes.

Simi, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

More great news.

Congrats to Simi, who landed the job on the US MC that she wanted, and is heading to LAS VEGAS to get MARRIED to her German honey.

Sweetie I am SO excited for you but I almost fell off my chair when you told me about the wedding!

Such good news for you!

Great News...

Daffodil and Lilac, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

A huge shout out to the craziest randomest coolest Chris for getting selected for the US National Team.

BABE, YOU WILL BE AMAZING!

French Drinking Song

Fave french song, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

I love hanging out in Francophone clubs and going to francophone parties.

They are INSANE, and a very different experience than an anglophone party.

One of the best things I love about it is all the songs and music. AND FINALLY I got the words to my FAVOURITE drinking song. I am OBSESSED with this song, and it is one of the things I want to learn so I can teach people wherever I go - seeing a group of 100 french speaking people sing this song just gives you tingles...

Weirdness

I feel a little unbalanced at the moment.

It is weird.

On the one hand, I am mega pumped at the idea of living in Europe again. Being close to many bosom friends, seeing my 'family' in Copenhagen, starting what should be a new and exciting learning experience, being able to afford meaningful travel across Europe....

On the other hand, I LOVE Montreal. I mean I only realised in the last few days HOW MUCH I love this place, the people... maybe not the work... but the lifestyle. My life in Montreal is amazing at the moment. The sun is shining, I am more than comfortable in my job role, I am living in a CRAZY house and I simply love it. I am hanging out all the time with close friends. I am happy.

People ask me, why then are you leaving?

And it is weird. I mean I know why.... and I am happy about it. I want to go to The Netherlands, I want to go to Europe but at the same time I have to confess just how much Montreal has become home for me, and how difficult it is to leave.

More difficult than I realised.

Tonight I am finishing my Canada scrapbook - with final postings and additions.

I need to get some closure.

Montrealers, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Originally uploaded by Mazzy.

sisters, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

My German Sister, Kristin and my Polish one, Maja. I MISS THEM!

bon, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Wonderful Quebec

Quebec2, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Dag, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Huy... YOU MAKE ME LAUGH!

So, last week I got the most wonderful suprise in the mail from Huy which I have been listening to ever since - The Greatest Hits of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Not only is it completely wonderful to get mail when you are abroad, but to have something that you ADORE come to you from someone who is an amazing friend, ... well it is wonderful.

Wanting to really thank Huy, I asked him for a picture so I could post a thank you on my blog - always wanting to remember the moment, and at the same time give a huge public welcome to a great friend.

Funny thing, is that Huy not only sends me one picture, but a zipped file with a selection that I could chose from - INCLUDING HIS BABY PHOTO!

Ok dude, TOO FAR!

Since when do you send someone a baby photo ???

Hahahah I thought it was so funny... you can see above the inappropriate picture to send and then of course, the better choice.

Only you would do that Huy! SUCH a Dag ;-)

Go Canada...

These questions about Canada were posted on an International Tourism Website.

1. Q: I have never seen it warm on Canadian TV, so how do theplants grow? (UK)
A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit aroundwatching them die.

2. Q: Will I be able to see Polar Bears in the street? (USA)
A: Depends how much you've been drinking.

3. Q: I want to walk from Vancouver to Toronto - can I followthe railroad tracks? (Sweden)
A: Sure, it's only Four thousand miles, take lots of water. . .

4. Q: Is it safe to run around in the bushes in Canada? (Sweden)
A: So its true what they say about Swedes.

5. Q: It is imperative that I find the names and addresses of places to contact for a stuffed Beaver.(Italy)
A: Let's not touch this one.

6. Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in Canada? Can you send me a listof them in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton and Halifax? (UK)
A: What did your last slave die of?

7. Q: Can you give me some information about hippo racing inCanada? (USA)
A: A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south ofEurope. Ca-na-da is that big country to your North . . . oh forget it.Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday night in Calgary. Come naked.

8. Q: Which direction is North in Canada? (USA)
A: Face south and then turn 180 degrees. Contact us when you get here andwe'll send the rest of the directions.

9. Q: Can I bring cutlery into Canada? (UK)
A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do.

10. Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? (USA)
A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y,which is. . . oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesdaynight in Vancouver and in Calgary, straight after the hippo races. Come

11. Q: Do you have perfume in Canada? (Germany)
A: No, WE don\'t stink.

12. Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Can you tell me where I can sell it in Canada? (USA)
A: Anywhere significant numbers of Americans gather.

13. Q: Can you tell me the regions on British Columbia where the femalepopulation is smaller than the male population? (Italy)
A: Yes, gay nightclubs.

14. Q: Are there supermarkets in Toronto and is milk available all year round? (Germany)
A: No, we are a peaceful civilization of vegan hunter gatherers.Milk is illegal.

15. Q: Please send a list of all doctors in Canada who candispense rattlesnake serum. (USA)
A: All Canadian rattle snakes are perfectly harmless, and can be safelyhandled and make good pets.

16. Q: I have a question about a famous animal in Canada, but Iforget its name. It's a kind of big horse with horns. (USA)
A: It's called a Moose. They are tall and very violent - eatingthe brains of anyone walking too close to them. You can scare them off byspraying yourself with human urine before you go walking.

17. Q: I was in Canada in 1969 on R&R, and I want to contact the girl Idated while I was staying in Surrey, BC. Can you help? (USA)
A: Yes, and you will still have to pay her by the hour.20.

18. Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? (USA)
A: Yes, but you will have to learn it first

You know people are missing Hockey when...

IFA, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

... they make their lunch food decisions based on a simulated hockey league system.

Sound bizarre? It really is.

Today I was talking with my colleague Noor about what restuarant I will have my farewell in - and he told me he and another worker, Fabio, came up with a way to make their lunch food decisions.

They used principles of Hockey, and created the IFA- Indecisive Food Association (think NHL- National Hockey League). As you can see, the output is above in table format which they will be implementing from this point on to make all their lunch time food decisions.

The restuarants are lined up as teams, and go through rounds.... Hmmm should I keep explaining?

Or have you reached the same conclusion that I have?

pEOPLE ARE GOING A LITTLE BATTY WITHOUT THEIR HOCKEY....

CANADA, PLEASE BRING BACK THE HOCKEY... IT'S A NATIONAL EMERGENCY!!!

So I have a Mentor, NOW WHAT?

Ok, So I have located the BEST person to be my start-up mentor. He is Australian, currently working in youth engagement and development - was Youth Entreprenuer of the Year, has done presentations for over 165000 people, educates companies on youth issues, and has his own successful youth engagement organisation.

So I thought I would approach him to be my mentor - since he is as alligned with what I want to do as I can EVER possibly imagine.

Guess what?

He said YES. He would love to play that role, and so... HOW DO I WANT IT TO WORK?

Hmmm.... actually I hadn't really thought that far through as I was not expecting such a fast and positive result.

So time for input from my nomad friends.

IF YOU HAD/HAVE A MEGA TALENTED PERSON AS A MENTOR, HOW WOULD/DO YOU BEST USE THEM?

I would love love love input on this, I have my own ideas of course but I would be interested to hear what you all have to say :-)

Loving the feeling of...

... tickboxing personal action items.

• Research core organisational working areas DONE
• Research similar organisations, and networks DONE
• Write Organisational Overview Document DONE
• Source & Confirm an external start up mentor DONE
• Outline founding group competencies DONE

Its been a GREAT week :-)

What makes a great weekend?

• Going to the movies and seeing 'Millions', and 'Melinda & Melinda'.
• Shopping for a new suit jacket for work
• Getting shouted dinner by a good friend :-)
• Going to the MOST AWESOME Francophone place ever called 'Two Pierrot' and singing the night away
• Sitting in the sun on Mont Royal enjoying the afternoon with friends.
• Attending a dinner party, with yummy Lasagne, good wine, good conversation, and good company.

Really wonderful, and crazily busy weekend - with all the simple things that make life wonderful.

Girl, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Ok, this is going to sound strange but I have finally realised the joy that can be found in buying shoes.

For years I have been a woman of comfort in the foot area. I have shunned fashion. I have shunned any attempt to think about foot fashion. I mean, on limited funds the last thing I ever thought of spending money on was a pair of shoes...

I have long sported THONGS in the foot area (which can be purchased for very cheap) and only lately have looked to more full closed shoes due to the crazy winter climates here that make open toe shoes unpractical to say the least. (And I never thought I would ever say that sentence!)

Yesterday all that changed, and I have now joined the ranks of females who LOVE shoes.

My purchase of my white nordic style business shoes (for the bargain price of $2) really sets off my office outfit. I mean they are the PERFECT accessory!

Oh, how I LOVE being a girl :-)

Changing Fortunes!

Did I mention yesterday was amazing?

Here is why....

# Rebooked flight for the same price but with a stop over in Washington, and also in Copenhagen for a day. Plans are already underway for a mega reunion :-)

# Got a free drink when I brought lunch at the foodcourt - my first decent meal in over a week

# Received a Postcard from Lil (Australia). Babe it was sooo good to get something from you in the mail, and here that you are really happy living in Brisbane with Al. Plus I am mega jealous that you are visiting Sydney or rather that you visited Sydney... I would so much love to see my fave city in the world again. Anyway, MISS YOU! CALL ME ASAP!!! :-)

# Brough two pairs of shoes for work... white ones, and black ones.... on liquidation for $4 in TOTAL! Someone above is looking out for me now I think :-)

# Received a present from Huy (Australia)... a copy of the 'Very Best of Andrew lloyd Webber'. Dude, you know me too well - this is amazing. I am listening to it now, thank you so much for the thought. It is so special to get a pressie randomly and for no particular reason. I MISS YOU, I miss our chats, sharing coffees, watching DVDs, and just hanging out without even needing to talk. It is the BEST!!!

# Genevieve, ex MC Canada, and now working in Toronto told me she was coming to visit me next weekend. WOO HOO! I have not seen this girl in ages, so I am looking forward to the catchup!

# Dad got all the stuff I needed from Australia done early - so now I have all my essential documents on the way to Montreal and I think I will be able to process my Visa for Netherlands in time :-) THANKS DAD forall the effort to get this done for me. I really really appreciate it.

# Oh... and I got paid :-)

My fortunes are changing... !

Music to my ears...

So had another potential issue when I went to pay for my flights to Europe. Apparently the woman who booked my flight booked me in the wrong seats, so the REAL cost of my flight was about $2000.

AHHHH... NOT ANOTHER CRAPPY THING I was thinking to myself, but am suprisingly untouched by this fact and playing it cool.

After explaining all the past events since NYC, the flight attendant smiled: I think I have a good flight, do you mind stop overs?

OF COURSE NOT!

And so came music to my ears...

I have a 6 HOUR Stop over in WASHINGTON (where I missed out on going due to my passport crisis)

AND

a 1 day stop over in COPENHAGEN.(where I worked and lived last year!!!)

I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO unbelievably pumped about the thought of seeing all the Danish gang again.

Things definately happen for a reason.

Question, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

This is the question that I am dealing with at the moment - How can I make this last days in Montreal, Canada count?

Now that the visa stuff looks like it is settling more, I actually have time to think. Consequently last night the realisation hit me that soon I will be in Europe again, and although that excites me beyond belief, I cannot help but to feel a sadness at leaving another place that I have grown to love.

What do I LOVE about Montreal?

* I love the Francophone district, and living in Montreal where asking people if they speak english is a question that evokes a definate NON.

* I love St-Denis, St-Laurent, Mont-Royal and Cote-Des-Neiges streets where all the French activity is

* I love that Montreal is the centre of the Arts in Canada - Place Des Arts, Festivals, Music, Dancing, many books shops.... it is a creative hub

* I love beauty of Montreal - the streets, the architecture, the external stairways, the balcanies, the sense of Europe

* I love the diversity of Montreal - every country, mult-cultured, groups for every interest, food from every corner of the world.

* I love the cosiness, the intimacy of Montreal. It is a large city with a small community feeling

* I love the atmosphere and most of all THE PEOPLE that I have met here... so many amazing individuals.

I guess in my last 14 days I will try and experience this as much as possible, and try to refocus my view on my European adventure ahead in The Netherlands.

....and After.

relief, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

At 9.20am I had a new emotional reading: RELIEF

The Australian High Commission called to tell me that they expected my Australian Passport to arrive today, which means that if I courier it, I will have it tomorrow and have 11 days to process my Dutch Working Visa... which is a HUGE relief.

Fingers crossed this positive movement continues!

Before...

stress, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Walking into work this morning I felt the stress again of the more than likely possibility that I would not be going to Amsterdam. I came in, sat down at my desk and wrote an action list of everything that had to be done so I could make my 29th April deadline.

It seemd unrealistic - as all the things I need to get, to get my dutch visa REQUIRED me to use my Australian passport as an identification peice. And the unrelenting woman of evil at the Australian High Commission had told me not to expect it before Monday the 25th April.

The week of my departure.

EMOTIONAL READING at 8.20am: Completely and Utterly Stressed Out

Who was the 10,000 hit?

10 000, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Thank you to Shalimar for the awesome graphic :-) Makes me want to take out my pencils and start drawing... :-)

Thank You Digs

So, I have been having a crappy day...

I called Jen in New York, let out all my visa and application woes. It seems that at every turn is a new obstacle for me ACTUALLY getting to Amsterdam and spending the summer in Europe. Not to mention interaction with the most evil woman in the Ottawa woman who seems to be out to ruin my life.

Ok maybe that is a little dramatic - but she seems at the very least to be the worst service provider I have ever encountered in my life. And THAT is a true statement.

But this post is actually for Digs who has actually helped without even knowing it. At the height of anger and stress, I decided to pop on nomadlife, and read a few blogs. I needed some out time. So I read Digs postings on Cambodia and the children there, some pretty amazing pictures and thoughts are given.

The effect? Instant Perspective.

Geez Maz, what are you getting stressed for, you are blessed, and things will work out whatever which way. You have so much to be thankful for, and so much to reflect up in relation to the states that others endure.

Bigger Picture, bigger perspective.... it is easy to forget sometimes getting so caught up in the details of your own life, that you forget the significance of the things you are spending your time worrying about.

So Digs, THANK YOU for without realising it, giving me a little reality check.

Where words fail, use Art

Together, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

www.motionwebdesign.com/ portfolio.php

The artwork above, for me, reflects how I am currently feeling in my life.

When I look at it I see a person who seems to be intensely happy, reaching some sense of understanding, grasping something, having a realisation. An epiphany.

I see the sun shining down on them, letting then know that they have come to the right conclusion. Happy that they have found what they have been searching for... This artwork to me screams YES, I REALISE, I KNOW, I DID, I CONQUERED.

In some less dramatic way, I feel this is where I am currently at in my life. For me I have finally realised that all my experiences have me moving on a particular path - and last night I kind of realised what that path was with an intense certainty. Small things, little things, in every experience are giving me something that is making the bigger picture become less hazy.

For instance, yesterday my boss asked me to research some work for his masters.... ON THE VERY TOPIC I WANT TO WRITE A THESIS, WANT TO WRITE A BOOK, WANT TO START AN ORGANISATION. So right now, I am in the situation where I am actually getting paid, and legitimately researching stuff that is DIRECTLY relatable to my future goals, and in doing this I am realising what my next steps need to be...

Ahhh it is actually really hard to describe how I am currently feeling - the best I can do, is relate it to a book that I have been told to read. A book that from my understanding has a similar sentiment expressed. It's called the Celestine Prophecies. Apparently (I am still yet to read it) it is about how different events in your life actually lead you to different points but most people are not conscious to those interlinks, those connections.

I guess I feel like I am becoming much more conscious to the random events and experiences in my life, which appear to me less and less random.... possibly connected?

The Final Countdown

The Final Countdown, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Happy Face Time

Cutie, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

So I just had the most insane weekend, and I am putting on my bravest happy face here at work...

I am not tired...
I am not tired...
I am not tired...

...It is my post weekend Mantra.

So FRIDAY NIGHT was totally crazy with the HEC EB bonding. I ended up challenging them to a sleepoff - AUSTRALIA v CANADA.

At 7am in the morning, Australia was victorious.

Then SATURDAY NIGHT was even more crazy - starting with Pre-drinks at Anujs house, then going back home for a HUGE AIESEC Montreal Party.

Again it was a late night, with the Maison de foo roomies the LAST to go to bed... AGAIN!

Sleep in this new house appears near impossible...!

The Power of Language

Being a native english speaker I have always had a luxurious position when it comes to communicating with others. No matter what country I meet people from, nine times out of ten, they are able to write, understand and speak basic english.

For this reason, I have never been forced to truely reflect on the power of language to build connections with people. For me, it was always a natural consequence that by sharing stories, experiences and conversations with others, I would build comfortability and eventually friendship.

Yes, I know. I had a needed a serious wake up call?

Recently, being fully immersed in the francophone environment, attempting to facilitate a group speaking another language, living with people who frequently converse in quebecois - well, the wake up call has come my way, and it has been pretty loud.

Anyone who knows me, understands that I am a very expressive person. I LIKE and NEED to express myself to others, it is the way I was designed. As such, language, words, discourse, banter etc are my primary tools for building meaningful connection and rapport with others. Unable to put these into play, I am a fish stranded out of water in a middle of the sahara.

Disconnection. The feeling of not being able to relate to people, of feeling isolated whilst in a group. For me, this is the reality if I do not have language at my disposal. It captures how I have felt at times in the francophone environment, and possibly why I am not a huge fan of nightclubs.

Naturally, I am not going to discount the value and use of body language, of `talking without really talking`. But there is a world of difference between communicating with others for short periods on or one on one (as I did in Asia) and sitting all day in a group unable to catch on, and feeling crappy about asking for another translation. I mean, I am in Quebec right, so who I am to ask someone to speak MY language... that is arrogant to say the least.

Take me back 6 months, plop me in this environment, and I can tell you my motivation to learn french would not have been any higher. But only now do I fully comprehend the immeasurable power of language in building human rapport.

Do you have the MOVES?

My dancing kindred spirits sure do!

New York Happy Hour

New Yorkers, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Here are some photos from the Happy Hour in New York last week :-)

Simi, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Happy Hour, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

NY Again, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

The Gang, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Cinq a Sept - HAPPY HOUR

I am in recovery mode - last night was the HAPPY HOUR or Cinq a Sept at HEC Business School. Naturally as I am now living with the LCP of HEC, I just HAD to attend.

It was BRILLIANT.

The greatest part about it is that HEC is a french speaking university, so pretty much NO ENGLISH! It was great to be in a pure french speaking environment, especially since I work at the English University here so it is not common for me to be immersed in a different language. But since moving in with my francophone roomies, I have been experiencing another side of Montreal all together!

After the happy hour, and supper we headed to Anujs house for some more fun. I ended up talking to a few french guys (many named Antoine), and they were teaching me different French songs. It was hilarious :-) But they were simply NOT to be confused with Quebecers - they are the REAL french, as they felt the need to explain to me. They were the REAL deal.

It is a funny thing here, that many french people will simply NOT talk french with quebecois people because they feel like the language has been sabotaged. It is not the true french, it is some form of it that does not fall easily on their ears. In fact, many of my french french friends would prefer to speak english with francophones here because they can understand it better. Fascinating, hey!

Well anyway it was yet another great night. Felix and I decided to call home many times in the night to let Philippe in on the action, and left lots of funny answering messages for him :-)

Tonight I am facilitating a team bonding thing for the HEC EB.... ahh the pleasures of living with an LCP, and getting involved in the running of the LC. I am pretty tired, but I love doing building and bonding stuff, so it should be good.

I just need to get my hands on a yummy hash brown that currently consumes my mind......

Maison de Fou ROCKS!

Maison de Fou

Thats the name of my new house as christened last night by Felix, Phillip and Moi. It is french meaning:

House of the Crazies

And what a crazy house it is. My roommates absolutely rock. I had no idea that I was joining the ranks of the nutty, crazy and totally insane when I moved into this new housing arrangement.

Case in Point: Last night we all arrived home. I had had a meh day, and so Felix and I poured ourselves a vodka/apple juice and put on some Jazz music.

RELAXATION in practice.

Then Philippe arrived home and joined us in a few drinks. We realised that we needed to attack an urgent problem of the clogged bath drain so Felix put on his black cape, Philippe got out his video camera and we ran a movie commentary on killing the clog through the very dangerous sulfuric acid 'Death in a Bottle'.

It was HILARIOUS!!! But it totally bombed the house in smell, so we evacuated to the balcony only to talk to the neighbours upstairs and share a few drinks with them.

We decided the house needed a name (well everything good should have an identity right?), and also a special greeting that we made up for our house hellos and house goodbyes...!

Did I mention that I LOVE living with these people?

The Cameron Crew

Cameron Crew, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Everyone is convened for a cruise for Nannas 70th Birthday !! Well everyone that could be there anyway...me not included.

The Gals

Nanna and Sis, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Nanna and my sister in SUNNY Sydney

My Family

My Family, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

From the back: Dad, Nanna, Mum, My Brother Nathan

In the front: My sister Nicole, and Liz my brothers girlfriend

RAGE

I am dealing with possibly the worlds MOST frustrating, unhelpful and bureacratic woman for my passport application.

Never in my life have I ever met such an unrelenting stickler for details, and someone who clearly is feeling POWER in her authority position.

Here are some examples of the goodness she offers:

Mazzy: Did you receive the fax I sent you?
Captain Frustration: The fax machine is located in the other office, so I wouldn't have, would I?

Captain Frustration: You have insufficient ID. Would you like to cancel your application?
Mazzy: Umm NO (obviously not). What do I need to do to best fulfill the requirements? (the next most logical question right?)

Captain Frustration: We need you to send another set of photos through, with another guarantor.
Mazzy: Ok So I need to courier another form to you.
Captain Frustration: Yes, you should go to the internet and fill out the entire application again, then send in page 3, it is the only way to access it.
Mazzy: Would it be easier for you to just email me a copy?
Captain Frustration: We cannot do that.

I have NO WORDS to accurately describe this woman. It is like she is getting joy from every obstacle that we face, and finds the best approach is not NOT offer advice to overcome it. I mean it is pretty crazy, when I am the one asking the prompt questions to move the process along.

What REALLY frustrates me is that she is a ambassador of Australia - and I am so angry with the service she has provided to me as an Australian abroad. I feel like I am a criminal, it is beyond crazy. Instead of actively helping me to address the situation I am in, she has become an obstacle for me moving forward.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhh - RAGE!

What inspires me?

Maria and Bergio working tirelessly on likely to be amazing thesis work

Marty getting up at 5am, to reach the office by 6am for 3 hours of thinking time before starting work

My roommate returning home at midnight after a days activities and university classes, drained but happy

Ali who is working really hard at his new job, and adjusting to a new environment in NYC

Fabio who has started his own company Amsterk, and has now got the webpage up and running

In these cases I see HARDWORK and PASSION.

Thanks guys, I am joining the ranks of achievement orientation again

DEADLINE:

By Sunday 10th April 12.00pm I will have finally typed up my scrapbook of my company plan. When I say finally, I mean this scrapbook has been a huge part of my life for the past year, but it is now time to move to the next step of making it real, of getting feedback from close friends, and of starting to put into play a game plan for 2006... and I mean, REALLY put it into play.

Even the thought of pulling all nighters to get it done, is oddly motivating.

Did someone say EUROPE?

Getting more and more excited about returning to Europe - seeing old friends again, travelling to new countries, experiencing a new adventure.

Even more exciting is the news that many people are planning summer vacations to Europe....Lauren, Evan, Harid, Alana, Simi, Huy, Anuj...

If you are, DEFINATELY contact me and come and party in Amsterdam!

CRAZILY EXCITED for the next few months of personal discovery and adventure!!!

Creative Vibes

Creative Vibes, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Ever since returning from NYC I have felt the need to unleash my creative side more. It is a strange thing, I feel like I have so much randomness, creativity, ideas, things to express and that I have not really being doing that to my fullest potential for the last few years.

It really annoys me aswell, because that was one of the things I wanted to do with my increased amount of time since taking a less active role in AIESEC.... I wanted to explore my creative side more.

I mean, this is not really possible in my work environment BUT it is possible after hours. I had all these intentions of starting dance classes, of getting involved in Improv theatre (which was started but never really got off the ground), and doing more painting - just pursuing different avenues to unleash my creativity more.

In the last week several things have reminded me of the need to focus on this again:

# Attending the Broadway Musical in NY, and being totally inspired

# Talking to the Artists at the Philippines Embassy event in NYC about their works, and paintings

# Meeting people in the music and art industry in NYC, and hearing their passion for their work

# Talking to my new roomie who likes my dress and mazzy style... reminded me of how I love to express myself even with what I wear, with the earrings I chose, with the glasses I put on, the hairstyle... the colours. All that sort of thing.

I guess I am writing this post to myself to confirm that I WANT TO EXPRESS MYSELF MORE, and THAT I NEED TO PRIORITISE NEW MEDIUMS AND MODES in which to do so.... that it is up to me to make it happen, to get involved in more artistic pursuits again.

NO MORE EXCUSES OR LAZINESS MAZ.... MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Get those paints, write those articles you have been talking about, get crazy about improv, GET MOVING GIRL!

Copywrite Material

Random Laughter

Proudly brought to you by Anuj and Mazzy

Times Square, New York City, USA.

Ottawa Time

So yesterday I popped onto a bus to travel to the Australian High Commission office in Ottawa, Canada.

Why?

To lodge a new Australian Passport application.

It was a total inconvenience to go (time and money wise) but at the same time at least I got to see the nations capital. Since I was in the town, I decided I had better embrace the experience and discover what Ottawa has to offer.

Highlights:

- Bank Street where all the shops are located, and the activity is happening
- Parliament Buildings - the architecture was awesome. It reminded me alot of european style buildings, and they are situated at the top of the hill, making them seem all the more magnificent.
- O-Connor Street and Constitution Square

The only thing is: The city literally shuts down at 6pm.

I mean EVERYTHING CLOSES, and people pretty much leave the streets.

It was a strange contrast to NYC and Montreal where I have been in the last two weeks.... and it really hit me.

Maybe there is a hidden Ottawa section I did not discover where all the people go after working hours?

What is Stability?

I have just moved into a new apartment with two french Canadian guys: Felix and Phillipe. We are living in the trendy PLATEAU district of Montreal - with all the cafes, artistic life and young 20 and 30 somethings.

But what struck me yesterday when I was thinking about moving was how accustomed I am now TO moving. Over the last year and a half I have had the following living arrangements:

July 03-August 03 - Living with Bergio(Slovakia) in an outer Copenhagen district in a place we affectionately called `The Chalet`.

August 03- May 04 - Living with Ranjit(German) in downtown Copenhagen

June 04 -July 04 - Living with Huy(Australian) in downtown Copenhagen

July 04-August 04 - Living with Lil, Diego, Mark and Sam in the worlds worst house

September 04 (Two weeks) - Living with Guilia (Italy) and Andreas(Denmark) in Montreal

September 04 (Two weeks) - Living with Nadir(Pakistan) and his brothers in outer Montreal

October 04- December 04 - Living alone in the McGill ghetto area of Place Des Arts

January 05-March 05 - Living with Maja (Polish) and Mims (Canadian) in Cote Des Neiges

April 05 - Living with Felix and Phillip in The Plateau

Granted I am a person that likes change, BUT I think this is getting a little ridiculous. This time I am even thinking about not even unpacking since I know I will be leaving for Amsterdam very shortly... it just seems more efficient to do it that way.

I guess that life is always an experience, and I am always having to learn through interacting with new people with this kind of a lifestyle... and I must confess that I am very much looking forward to living with the two crazy french canadian guys.

Au revoir!!!

Almost Time

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It is time.

Maz Time.

I am just about to head home to my old apartment since no-body is there, and have a super dooper chillout session. Here is what I am imagining....

= A long hot bath with candles

= Jazz or Broadway music in the background to relax

= A nice glass of white wine or two :-)

= A home cooked stir fry from master cook, ME

= and settling down with a new book in my BIG soft blankie (in my PJS OF COURSE!)

I have had a few offers to go out tonight - a party, the movies BUT there is nowhere I would rather tonight than with me, myself and I.

It is just what the doctor ordered after an awesome but totally draining week away in the US of A!