But WHY??!!

Alright Mother Nature, we need to talk.  I appreciate you wanting me to feel welcomed back to Wisconsin, but this really wasn't necessary.  No, really.  This is one thing I seriously didn't miss.  And you went all out, didn't you?  Two snow falls in 3 days.  And it's only the end of October.  ::sigh::

  Welcome back!!

Tuesday's snowfall

Thursday's snowfall

Oh, and

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

**Please Note: All photos are property of Kira Zebroski**

Not for re-use without prior consent and approval

2 year anniversary

Hi everyone!!  I know this has taken a while for me to get out.  And here I thought it would be easier and faster since I made a video.  I guess I should take into consideration bad internet connection next time.  ::chuckle::  Oh well!

Here it is!  A rather long video of me putting some thoughts out there about the last 2 years of traveling and an update (sort of) on where I'm headed next.  In true Monkey fashion, I ramble a bit but I figured it makes the video all the more endearing....maybe.  ENJOY!!

I also have a small compliation of some videos I've done while traveling if you're interested.  I have many I still need to put up but it's been put in the "to-do" list like so many other things.  

Youtube vlog

Thank you again for everyone's continued support and love.  It really helps keep me going in times when I wonder what the hell I was thinking leaving everything behind.  ::laugh::  Lovelovelovelovelove!!!!!

Onward and upward

I’m sitting in an airport yet again waiting for my first of two flights which will take me back to Australia.  In a small part of my brain, I’m worrying if the flight will be delayed, if my baggage will come quickly, if I’ll make it through security once again in time for my second flight, if I’ll make it through customs with my double passport.

But the majority of my focus is directed towards these past 6 weeks.  Or rather, focusing on not focusing on it.  I can visualize the mass of emotions and memories this ‘US tour’ has both created and brought up.  I know I need to process this experience and yet I feel myself shying away from it.  The desire to put it all in a box to deal with later.

This whole trip has been about moving, catching up, shifting, shedding...

Crap, I’m still not ready to get a piece out about this trip.  I had this grand plan of some sort of post that would be eloquent and fun and thoughtful.  I’m just not ready to deal with all the emotions and memories. I am actually rather looking forward to arriving in Sydney simply so I can sit and not go anywhere. Take the time to decompress and process. I'll try and get something out afterwards.

For now I just want to thank everyone I was able to see. For the new friends I've made, the friendships I've renewed, and those that have strengthened. I'm so incredibly blessed to have each and everyone of you in my life. Thank you for making this trip so special and just what I needed. I love you all!!

Smores and cuddles with my little nephews

**All pictures are property of Kira Zebroski**

Just an update: I've made it safely from WI to LAX and about to board my final flight to Sydney. It was a close call with some passport issues. Like I wasn't allowed on the plane for a bit. But all is well. ::knock on wood:: It's never a dull moment with the Monkey!! ::grin::

Lift Off!!

Just wanted to send a quick hello and goodbye as I get ready to board the plane that will take me Stateside for the first time in almost 2 years.  You ever notice I seem to find the most free time to write posts when I'm in airports?  Huh...

Anyway, I'm both nervous and excited to be coming back to the old US of A.  It's been a while and the culture shock may be a bit of a, well...shock.  I just changed over some money to USD and it was weird seeing the money all be the same color.  I'm used to the Monopoly color scheme most countries sport.  I'm going to have to look really closely to make sure I don't mix up my notes.

I'm also a bit overwhelmed with my travel schedule.  I never can do anything halfway and so I'm making it to 5 states in 6 weeks.  Whew!

**By the way, I've had very little sleep so my typing style may be a bit slap happy.  I'd apologize but I'm just proud I'm getting a post out.

So those of you following my travels, here's the low down on where I'm heading:
LA 23-24th
Florida 24-3rd
Pittsburgh 3-7th
Rochester 7-24th
NYC 24-26th (oop!  I had the wrong date.  Not bad for only 1 mixup)
Seattle 26-1st
Wisconsin 1-10th

And fly back to Australia on July 10th.  I've actually had to make myself an itinerary with all my flights/buses to keep them straight.  I'll try and keep updated on how things are going but you know how it goes.

They're calling my flight so ::massive hugs, cuddles, and kisses to all::  And see many of you soon!!!!!!!

Me and Monkey Jr getting settled in

**all photos are property of Kira Zebroski**

Monkey Invasion

I continuously feel bad during my travels about not updating my blog more.  A couple of times I’ve thought ‘Well, I’ll just try and post little stories instead of these long drawn-out ordeals.’  Have any of you ever known me to tell a short story??  Yeah, that’s what I thought.  ::chuckle::  I guess I prefer to tell stories in person; there’s that added element of arm gestures and vocal tone you just can’t duplicate.  It’s what makes a Kira story a Kira story.  Plus I get to be such a perfectionist while writing that I’m constantly going back and adjusting my words so it takes forever just to get a paragraph down.  And then I sit on it for a while and feel the moment has passed to post it.  It’s no wonder people rarely have any idea where the heck I am in the world.  ::laugh::

But I have great news!!  Many of you will be able to hear these stories first hand!!  Yes, that’s right.  Monkey is coming to the States for a visit!!!!  ::happy dance::  When I found out one of my best friends was having her first baby, it was a given that I had to be there.  And obviously if I come back, I have to make the rounds.

Now I don’t have exact dates yet since plane tickets cost money.  Crazy, right?  ::grin::  But I’ve got tentative dates in mind and I’m just too damn excited not to share.  Hell, this all may change tomorrow, especially if people know of cheaper flights and such.  ::nudge nudge wink wink::  I’m looking at flying into LA around the 23rd of May and catch a connecting flight to Florida to spend time with my two siblings for their birthdays.  And then depending on baby dates, either a long weekend in Pittsburgh and then about 2 ½ weeks in Rochester, or flip it and go to Rochester first.  And then of course Wisconsin to see the parents, my other brother, and my adorable nephews.  I'm looking at heading back to Aussie around July 8th. There are other places I would love to visit if time (and money allows) such as Minnesota, Seattle/Portland, and NYC.  Guess we’ll just have to see!!

So mark your calendars people!!!  And prepare the couches and floor space!!  I’M SO FRICKEN EXCITED TO SEE YOU ALL IN A FEW MONTHS!!!

Prepare yourselves people!  It's gonna be a crazy ride!!
Photo property of Kira Zebroski

Side note:  I just re-read this thing and had to laugh at all the exclamation points.  Maybe I’ll need to change some to bold, capital letters to get my point across.  ::chuckle::