You... were the cutest, runtiest puppy with hilarious bulging eyeballs.
You... almost ended up with the name Hercules, but lucky for you, I was shut down.
You... lived with us through four temporary homes, until we moved into our home.
You... suddenly sprouted all your beautiful fur, and had the most gorgeous beard & tail.
You... put up with Rusty better than all of us do, and were always so patient with him.
You... liked nothing better than curling up on the washing, but only the clean stuff.
You... gave awesome kisses, despite your breath.
You... used to love your Liony, and would spend hours kneading him with your paws.
You... were possibly the most spoiled dog in all of Australia.
You... waited for me to come home and spend some time with you before you left us - and for that I'm grateful. Miss you already, kiddo.

Max: 1997 - 2009

I've been back home for a week, which feels like it has both flown by and dragged out, depending on my frame of mind. Being in Sydney again is strange; now when people ask, it's London that I call 'home'. I've discovered that I'm possibly the palest person in this fair city; I love the sunshine but am not a fan of the heat, so you'll find me sticking to shady areas rather than soaking up the rays - I think it's safe to say that any notion of returning to the UK a little browner is pure wishful thinking.

I've embraced my paleness. Let's move on, shall we?

Starting tomorrow, I'm going to get back into a running routine again. I was doing so well before I buggered up my shins; I'll go a little easier on myself this time around. I think it'll keep me motivated to keep moving, and I will have a good eight weeks to work at it. I'm bringing sweatpants back. (Yeah!) Be afraid, be very afraid...

I've spent my first week catching up with family and friends, indulging in nanna naps to get over my combination of jetlag & flu, and watching a whole heck of TV re-runs; I'm looking at you, ER. We ventured to the beach which was a very windswept effort, we caught the monorail in the city while rushing to submit my Visa application, we ogled pretty boys in Twilight & I've updated my iPod music with some new favourites. This week will be a busy one too, hanging out with Kirby, getting my hair cut (ideas?), another movie date, perhaps a trip up the North Coast & a catch up with Tim.

Speaking of the Visa, I'm feeling strangely relaxed about it at the moment. I've done everything I could possibly do, I've included all of the evidence I could possibly include - and the final decision comes down to the fine folks at the British High Commission in Canberra. As confident as I am about being awarded the points needed for it, the fact that the Tier 1 is still a relatively new Visa, as well as hearing reports that individual case workers judge each application at their own discretion, does leave me with some concerns. The hard part is done; now comes the waiting.

It's just a shame I'm the least patient person you could find.

Keep your fingers crossed for me!