Heading Back...What??!

I can't believe it's time to head back to Australia again. Yeah...I know I've been in the states for almost a month now. But I'm starting to get really settled back here. Hopping in the car, driving who know's where just to drive around, going to stores just to look...okay, buy some books, too, having lunches and dinners with my best friends, hearing sweet Grace call us her "Aunt San-sung and Uncle Phil, too", playing putt-putt (yes I'm originally a Midwest girl and that's what we call miniature golf.), being with Sox, Chick-Fil-A, Rita's Water Ice, the list goes on. Sigh. And nothing says "Welcome Back to Australia" like going through almost 30 hours of plane rides and lay-overs to get there. Oh, happy Sunday. Just can't wait...
I usually don't post much when I'm back home mostly because I'm having too much fun being with old friends to sit at the computer, but also because there's something in me that says I can't post here if my blog title says "The Lankfords Down Under". How can I post if I'm not down under? I know and I agree...that's kind of weird. But, that's me. And speaking of me...here's a meme about me. (That's a lot of "me" in a few sentences.)
My friend, Wendy, ages ago did one on her blog about her Phil and then tagged me next. Well...knowing my Phil, he would not want stuff about him on my blog so...for a compromise I lifted one from some other blog I read. (And here's where I admit how addicted I am to reading people's blogs. Even people I don't know. Why do I feel compelled to check these blogs on a daily basis to see if they've been updated? Or to read their views/comments on who knows what? Does that mean I'm a bit of a stalker? But at times, I begin to feel like I really know them. I admit...I'm a bit creeped out right now.) Anyways...here we go.
Do you like blue cheese? Eww...gross
Have you ever smoked heroin? No!
Do you own a gun? Yes, two.
What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Never been to a Sonic
Do you get nervous before doctor's appointments? Depends on the doctor
What do you think of hot dogs? Yumm...especially dollar dog night at Citizen's Bank Park
Favorite Christmas movie? Tie between It's a Wonderful Life and Holiday Inn
What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Preference? Diet Coke. But will drink OJ if I have it
Can you do push ups? You mean more than one at a time?
What's your favorite piece of jewelry? I feel compelled to say my wedding rings but I also really
like this cool necklace I bought at the open market in the Rocks down in Australia
Favorite hobby? Reading
Do you have ADD? No
What's one trait you dislike about yourself? I'm shy
Middle Name? Lynn (because I was born in the seventies and if it wasn't Ann, then it was Lynn)
Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. Do I really want people to know all this about me?
Who came up with the word meme? Did the Phillies win last night? (Wait...maybe I do
have ADD.)
Name 3 things you bought yesterday. Dramamine, deoderant and bathroom cleaner
Name 3 drinks you regularly drink. Diet Coke, OJ, and water
What did you sleep with as a child? Stuffed Snoopy...and yes, I still have it but it's now in my
cedar chest
Current hate right now? I have to get on a plane on Sunday
Favorite place to be? Home
How did you ring in the New Year? With friends playing games and watching the ball drop
Do you own slippers? Yes
What shirt are you wearing right now? Black tee shirt
Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Never have
Can you whistle? Yes, but it's a bit raspy sounding.
Favorite color? Blue
Would you like to be a pirate? No, I really don't like to travel. (Did I mention that I'm getting
on a plane on Sunday?)
What songs do you sing in the shower? Nothing since the theme song to Scooby Doo as a kid
What's in your pocket right now? Probably some lint
Last concert you went to? Jeremy Camp in NJ and then Jeremy Camp a few months before in
Times Square. Does this really make me a stalker?
Last thing that made you laugh? Most phrases that Rob said last night at the Eppinger house
Best bed sheets as a child? Charlie Brown, naturally
Worst injury you've ever had? Tie between the concussion, twice fractured skull, and 2 broken
collarbones...wee bit clumsy as a kid...okay, still am
How many tvs do you have in your house? Australia-one Philly-four
Who is your loudest friend? Joan, hands down!
How many dogs do you have? One
Ever belong to a secret society? Do the DAGS count?
What is your favorite candybar? Snickers
What is your favorite book? Cannot possibly name just one
What were you doing at 12:00 am last night? Sleeping
Favorite sports team? Philadelphia Phillies
What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning? Did I really just have a dream about hiding from the Nazis with Bob Crane of Hogan's Heroes fame? (must be all the episodes I've watched down in Australia.)
I tag whoever would like to do it in their blog. Wendy? Claire? And now...I'm off to enjoy another lunch (yes, at Chick-Fil-A) with another dear friend, Kristi and her boys, Josh and Ethan. (Look Kristi...your name is in the blog! See? I told you I would get it in there!)

Remembering Grandpop...

Yesterday we said a final goodbye at the funeral for Phil's grandpop who passed away last Sunday morning. Just some thoughts to remember him...

I was his grand-daughter-in-law, but never once did he make me feel like that. When I married Phil I automatically joined Sandy, Chris, Dianne, Debbie, Beth, Rachel, and Corinne and became just as much his grandaughter as if he'd known me since I was born.

He loved God with all of his heart. His faith was such a major part of who he was as a person. When he entered heaven on Sunday morning, I know he didn't need to re-introduce himself to Christ. He had been in constant communication with Him through prayer and reading his Bible, probably on a daily basis, ever since he became a believer as a young man.

He had an amazing gift to take a piece of wood and make something beautiful from it. Whether it was an animal carving, a flower with delicate petals and leaves, or a painted birdhouse, Grandpop could do it. Right up until the end. I'm looking at the last birdhouse he painted for us that now sits on one of my bookshelves. Finished sometime since we last saw him on our trip home in June. I'm okay until I turn it upside down to see his shaky, cursive handwriting that said, " Sandra, June 2008, with much love, Grandpop."

He loved playing his instruments. I've never known another man in his 80's that could play the drums like Grandpop! And the saxaphone. And the bongos. And the keyboard. And the xylaphone (which he actually made). The only instrument I know he didn't like was the bagpipes. If he ever heard them, anyone listening would get an earful about how the bagpipes weren't truly worthy of being called an actual instrument. :) To this day, whenever I hear bagpipes I smile and think of Grandpop.

I miss him. His deep, loud voice. (As the hearing went a bit, I'm sure he didn't realize how loud he talked sometimes.) His quick laughter. His always asking how my family was doing in Ohio. 11 years since Phil and I married, and he would still tell me how impressed he was that the pastor I grew up with and his wife would drive all the way out to Philly to do part of our wedding. He would tell me often that he still remembered Pastor Peters when he prayed.

I miss his prayers. I know he prayed for us often. For all of his children. For all of his grandchildren. For all of his great-grandchildren.

"I want to leave a legacy. How will they remember me? Did I choose to love? Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering. A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically and leave that kind of legacy." -Nichole Nordemann

So, Grandpop...you did leave a legacy. As mentioned at your funeral service, every one of your children, grandchildren, and great-children that are of age have professed faith in Jesus Christ. We remember you with so many good memories. You chose to love so much. Your life pointed always to your Heavenly Father. You were a blessing to Him. You were unapologetic in your faith. And you will be truly missed by all of us.

Now That's A Bad Day...

Came upon this awhile ago on one of my walks around the city. Of course, it's not real, but just a statue? exhibit? right outside of an art gallery. Did make me look twice, though.

For those wondering...yes, I did make it through my foray into Malaysian food on Saturday night in Darling Harbour. I give you my choices to choose from (taken straight from Chinta Ria's menu).

1. Assam Fish: Rockling fillets simmered in a delicious spicy tangy tamarind flavoured sauce with tomatoes, string beans and pineapple pieces

2. Red Temple Chicken: Chicken roulade smothered with a lightly spiced red sauce of chili, lemon grass, coconut, garlic and tomatoes

3. Gado Gado: Steamed beanshoots, shredded cabbage, tofu, and cucumber dressed with our spicey peanut sauce and garnished with egg slice and pappadams

4. Soya Sauce Chicken Rice: Quarter chicken served with steamed rice and bok choy

Can you guess which one was for me? (Keeping in mind that the only fish I eat is usually battered in beer, I don't do chicken smothered in anything, uh, tofu...yeah right, and just what is a pappadam?) That's right...the soya sauce chicken. Wasn't bad, either. (No, I didn't try the bok choy. Just had chicken and rice.) I tried to eat it and my rice with my chopsticks, but soon gave that up to use my fork. Finished the meal with a walk to Max Brenner's Chocolate Bar for dessert (Phil's favorite). And what, you may ask does one order at a chocolate bar if one doesn't like chocolate? My usual...hot tea with a slice of banana bread hold the chocolate dipping sauce. Speaking of food...I give you our new favorite place to eat in The Rocks...

the first place we've eaten at here that has pizza somewhat like American pizza. That's not to say it's anywhere in the league of Peppi's or Brother's, but it's still pretty good. In fact, we're going to eat there tonight before Phil leaves for Singapore tomorrow morning.
Bad news...he's going to be in Singapore for a whole week.
Good news...I changed my flight back to the States (after 6 calls and 4 hours on the phone with Expedia.com. Yeah...that was a good time.) so that I leave to go back this Wednesday! Whoo hoo! Why stay all by myself in the apartment when I can be in the good ole' USA a week early?
Bad news...I'm looking at about 32 hours door to door from Sydney to Philly via Vancouver and Toronto.
Good news...this time I get to fly business class since this is a company paid trip home. Double whoo hoo!

The Weekend Starts This Afternoon

After my exciting posts (no, really they were) about the pope's visit to Sydney, things have calmed down this week. I was excited to get back to Bible study on Tuesday morning (they've been off because of school holidays) but alas, once I got to the church realized that I hadn't been informed that they weren't starting up again till next week.
Luckily for me, two others were not informed of this either so we all decided to drive down to this cafe for coffee. (And no, I have not changed my opinion that coffee smells much better than it tastes. I had tea.) On the plus side...the cafe was in a huge Christian bookstore (yippee for me). The down side...I saw to my dismay that there were cars on either side of "Beast" in the parking lot when I left the cafe. Great.
Now, I never park next to anyone here. Mainly because I know I would hit something
(and hopefully not someone) if I tried to back up. When I got to the parking lot, and saw my predicament, I began to sweat. Profusely. I went to one side of the car and said, "How am I even supposed to open this door to get in?" Then sheepishly remembered that the steering wheel is on the other side of the car. Yeah, really.
Don't panic, I thought.
I can do this, I thought.
I'm hyperventilating, I thought.
Do we have car insurance here, I thought.
Slow, deep breaths. Even slower movement out of the parking space. I'm sure if anyone was watching from the bookstore, they got a really good show. But all went well, I didn't hit anything (or anyone), and made my way to the mall. Where I proceeded to park 25 feet from the nearest car.
Anyway, this afternoon, Phil and I have tickets to see a Cirque Du Soleil show (Dralion) which he gave me for my birthday last month and then dinner afterwards. Cool! And tomorrow night...we're meeting friends from church for dinner in Darling Harbour.
At Chinta Ria.
A Malaysian restaurant.
gulp.
I have no idea what I'll find to eat.

Hey Look...I Saw the Pope!

On Thursday the Pope was scheduled to arrive in Sydney Harbour by way of a boat-a-cade (that word still makes me laugh). The people kept coming to Circular Quay where his boat was going to turn around and began to line the area at least a good three hours before he was scheduled to arrive. Meanwhile I was able to stay in my apartment with relative ease...make some lunch...watch an episode of Law and Order...(by the way did you know you can watch Law and Order or some form of the show, Special Victims Unit, Criminal Intent etc. almost 100 times a week, every week on four different tv stations? I'm becoming an expert on both law and order.) Here's a picture of the crowd on the other side of our inlet...

The next picture shows the pope on the boat. No, really! Look at the front of the boat, the upper deck up front, see the green flag lying next to the side of the boat? (kind of in the shadow) The pope is just to the left in the white robe.

Look...our apartment building is on tv!!

I was kind of getting tired of hearing over and over again about "our holy father, blah, blah, blah" and was tempted to hang a sheet from our balcony that read, "My Holy Father is not the pope" but didn't want to cause an international incident or anything. Although it did bring back fond memories of Cedarville when our unit in Printy helped Phil's campaign for Student Body Government Treasurer by hanging a sheet from our balcony that read, "CedarPhil (get it...Cedarville, CedarPhil) for SGA Treasurer. He just makes cents." I'm convinced our sign helped turn the tide in the election. Ah, good times. Later that night, the pope drove through the city in his pope-mobile. Found out that I could see it by going out on the balcony off of our bedroom. Sorry, though. It's a bit blurry.


The pope-mobile then turned onto our street, Macquarie St., passed the Opera House, went through the Botanical Gardens and then back to St. Mary's Cathedral where he's staying. So, finally, here's a picture of his motercade passing the front of our apartment building on his way by the Opera House.

Nope, Haven't Seen the Pope Yet

In case you haven't heard...it's World Youth Day here in Sydney. (Actually, it's more than a day since it's from the 15th till the 20th.) The news has been reporting that over 125,000 people from around the world, including the pope, have come to Sydney. Joy. We've seen some new sights from our balcony...

a fireworks show the other night,

a changing sign projected onto the Harbour Bridge,

and people. Lots and lots of people. Many who are carrying red, yellow, and orange backpacks advertising World Youth Day. Either they were giving them out somewhere or somebody has made a boat-load of money with these things. One also sees many people carrying and waving flags (although it's so nice to see the Stars and Stripes!), chanting, clapping, and singing as they walk along Circular Quay. It sounds like we're at a European football game. Sorry, soccer. (Have I been here too long?)

How to Enjoy a Trip to Palm Beach

On Saturday (as you can see from previous posts, our day to hop in the jeep and explore) we decided to drive up to Palm Beach, a peninsula north of Sydney and walk to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse. So we got in the jeep and started driving north. We drove through Narrabeen, crossed over Narrabeen Lakes, made the right turn in Mona Vale, passed Newport Beach, Bilgola, and Avalon and finally got to Palm Beach. After much prodding from me, (after passing a McDonald's with my nose and hands pressed to the window) Phil decided to stop for lunch at this cafe. Why...why don't they put ice in glasses when one asks for a soda??? I'll never understand it. But I digress...a post on How to Enjoy a Trip to Palm Beach (on a full stomach).

1. If you're going to hike to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, make sure you're in the right spot.

Nice beach...but not (yes, like I claimed it was. yes, Phil, you were right) the right one to begin the hike to the lighthouse. See that tiny little thing sticking up on the cliff to the left in the picture? About a half an inch in? Yep...that's the lighthouse.

2. Don't forget to wear sunglasses (or sunnies as they call them here) when hiking on a sunny day.

Had to borrow Phil's for the day. (yes, I am a weenie) But now we're on the right beach and headed up the sand path. Wait...found out by reading a sign posted on the beach that the sand trail is closed for refurbishing and to get to the lighthouse, one must hike up (and I mean seriously straight up) the rock path named Smuggler's Trail. Gulp.

3. Stop and enjoy the view on the way up.

The top of the beach on the left is where we were first. The beach on the right is where we parked the car. This is a long way up, I think, as I'm feverishly sucking in air.

4. Enjoy the view from the top.

Saw this bird sitting right over Phil's head while we had stopped were watching a sea plane land and couldn't resist. Great camera work, if I do say so myself.

5. Enjoy a rest after hiking back down.