September.

Bloody hell. How did it get to September already?

All of a sudden there's only 18 work days left and just over 5 weeks till I leave. Un-freaking-believable.

It's funny, was chatting to Dad today (it was father's day here so good opportunity to see him) and was saying to him how quickly the time is approaching.

But I guess one of the reasons it now feels like it's coming quickly is because I was really looking forward to my weekend in Sydney last week. I had been counting down to that weekend for about 2 months and couldn't wait to catch up with my friend Di again. Now that it's over the next major things happening are only a few weeks away and are all going to happen in quick succession.

The weekend with Di and her partner Bill didn't disappoint.

As usual, we had an absolute blast. On Friday, I was picked up at the train station and taken straight to the pub. Seeing all the regulars who I've gotten to know over the years is so nice, it's almost like going home.

Then Saturday, Di and I caught up with her best friend Lucy, who I haven't seen for years. She has, since the last time I saw her, (in addition to her 2 older boys) had a gorgeous baby girl. It was so nice to hang out and catch up. Following a well deserved nap, it was back to the pub for one of the best nights I've had in a long time! We stayed until closing then stumbled back to Bill and Di's friends place for a house party which went on way into the wee hours. I don't remember what time we went to bed that night, but boy it was a good night!

After a bit of a sleep in (sleeping on and off till 12!!) we all met up again for a delicious feed at a German restaurant. This included delicious pork knuckle where we all fought over the crackling.  There were a few sore heads but everyone pushed on with a few more drinks. :)

It was time to say goodbye to the guys at lunch :(  and Di & Bill were kind enough to drop me off at the airport. In the car on the way there it was quickly dawning on me that this would be my first of many goodbyes. Thank goodness it was a quick goodbye because the tears were starting to well up. It never gets any easier and not knowing when I'm going to see them again makes things a little difficult. However, I also know that Di and Bill are always going to be there for me, no matter the distance. It's so good to have them as some of my closest friends.

Now that last weekend is gone, the next 5 weeks are going to fly by. Even though this moving to Canada business been in the works for months (at least 6!!), it's hard to believe the time to leave is almost here. Gotta keep positive though. There's still so much to look forward to before I go and it's reassuring to know that I'll always have a home base.