I've been home in Calgary for a solid month now! It's amazing and weird to look at instagram and find things that I did in Melbourne to be "13 weeks ago". I brought a print of melbourne CBD and it's hanging right next to my door, and yes I taped it there so I could pretend that was gonna be my view outside the window. I miss Melbourne for so many reasons, but the biggest one would probably be because I felt so free when I was living there. It was the same happiness that I got when I traveled to korea alone. I just love immersing myself in different cultures, and i'm the happiest when I live in the heart of the city-- especially one that's abundant in fashion, good food and scenery.

I've been following fashion blogger Chloe Ting for a few months now, and last night I watched her newest video.. I felt a huge pinch in my chest and a knot in my belly just seeing the suburbs in melbourne again (where she's based!). She went to the south melbourne market with her friend, the market which was literally only a few blocks from where we used to live but we never had the chance to visit! *facepalm* Another one that Jesse and I regret not going to was Brighton beach. There were so many things that we didn't get to do because we got caught up in the daily grind.

Chloe Ting's video:




I think I saw her on the tram. I'm 90% sure it was her!!! What a coincidence..

I was really depressed for the first two weeks of being back home because i've had to adjust to so many things all at once. I knew this was gonna happen, but it didn't really make it any easier. The biggest difference is probably not living with Jesse-- my buddy, my boyfriend, the person who didn't leave my sight for over 9 months was suddenly living across the city from me. Just 3 weeks ago I was swimming in the ocean somewhere in australia... my brain can't even reconcile that difference.

And so did my immune system. In the 3 weeks that i've been back, i've gone to the emergency department twice and have gotten sick for a week. Yikes! Talk about being out of sorts, hey? Don't worry, it's not serious... just a severe allergic reaction to an unknown source. haha. Since then, i've taken measures to get myself in a healthier place, starting with naturopathic medicine. It was the first time i've had a cold & flu and didn't pop a single tylenol or benylin, and I kicked it in 5 days. All the while, I went on with my life and I didn't let it bog me down. I've realized that getting over a disease doesn't just require physical effort, but you really have to think about how you're dealing with it emotionally and spiritually. I believe to some extent that our "problems" can manifest themselves through ailments and other imbalances in our lives.

I can't stress about my situation any longer. I can't cry about settling back into this so-called reality, because the reality is that I have SO MUCH going for me. I just need to remember what i'm here for. I've come up with a follow-up 5 to 10 year plan (in true chelsea fashion!) and I can't wait to see those dreams turn into reality. Australia took 4 years to actualize, and it was so amaaaazing and worth it! I know now that it's somewhere that I could move into and settle down in-- which was the whole point of the trip.

As for soul searching, I think i've finally decided on what to do with my career, and i'm pretty happy about it. Matter of fact-- I just turned in my application!

Here are some pics i've taken since getting back: