stop being selfish and donate your over-valued money to people and animals in victoria...NOW

Maybe you know already, but Victoria (one of Australia's states--and not the one me and Vincent live in) is suffering from massive, MASSIVE bush fires. The death toll is estimated at almost 300 so far, and the fires are still ablazin'. It is considered the worst natural disaster to ever hit Australia. So if you can spare a few dollars/ euros/ pounds/ etc, please donate here--just think how much a little bit will go with the current exchange rate!

This is all pretty sad stuff, but some stories making their way to the surface that have at least a little bit of cheer in them. Here's one about Sam, a Koala, who is helped by David Tree, a firefighter.

He said he was in the middle of backburning at Mirboo North when he saw the stricken koala. "I could see she had sore feet and was in trouble, so I pulled over the fire truck. She just plonked herself down, as if to say 'I'm beat'," he said.

"I offered her a drink and she drank three bottles.

"The most amazing part was when she grabbed my hand. I will never forget that."

Mr Tree and his brigade then received an emergency call-out to save a house, but minutes later Sam was picked up by wildlife carers.

She is one of 22 koalas, 14 ringtail possums, several wallabies and eastern grey kangaroos that have been handed into Gippsland carers.

Although Sam now is okay (and really, REALLY famous)--YAY!, thousands of other animals did not escape the huge fires or are suffering many injuries--BOO :( Wildlife Victoria is now taking donations to help care for the injured animals...if you feel so inclined that is.

I know I don't usually plea on the behalf of other humans or awesomely cute koalas and possums, but these fires are apparently REALLY bad. And to be honest, I think I'd be scared out of my mind if I was trying to escape something so big and hot. Not to mention the fact that they think some of the fires were caused by arson and/ or a cigarette thrown out a window-- sigh-- I just think we all can spare a few dollars to help those who now have to live with the mistakes of others.

it's so hot, i've been sweatin' like a koala in victoria...

In Victoria, on a day when it was 44C (~118F), a very hot koala made its way into a barn (or somewhere)and so a nice lady helped him out with a bucket of cool water....

Everyone say "Awww..."






Don't you just want one?!

...to those really yummy Morningstar sausage patties

As you know (or maybe not), I'm planning a trip to the States in May (because Brayde, one of my bestest friends is getting married!). I haven't booked the tickets though--partly because I need so many of them, and partly because I'm always kind of anxious buying plane tickets. In any case, I will be going to California and Washington and Georgia and South Carolina (COME VISIT ME). Two of these places I have never been, which justifies the trip entirely, however I will also get to visit my family in Georgia and South Carolina which is also cool with me.

Naturally, this has got me thinking about my former country of residence...and in particular, the things that I miss the most about it (read: what things lindsay will be buying to bring back with her). Of course I miss all my friends and family-- we all know that--so let's get down to the nitty gritty, the superficial materialistic America that we (I mean I) love so dear:

1. I miss specialty running stores.
2. I miss amber ale.
3. I miss real Targets (the ones here are basically just clothes stores).
4. I miss cheap books.
5. I miss normal sized coffee.
6. I miss Express.
7. I miss 24 hour convenient stores.
8. I miss cheese and egg bagels from Dunkin' Donuts.
9. I miss three ring hole-punchers...
10. I miss three ring binders, for that matter.
11. I miss unlimited downloading.
12. And perhaps most of all-- I miss those awesomely delicious Morningstar sausage patties.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list-- I couldn't be bothered to sit here any longer on the matter. However, you get the point. So, wahoo, Lindsay is coming to America (if they let me in that is). I can't wait to stock up on all my favorite things.... and visit y'all (of course)!