"Movember" and More

Movember 

http://au.movember.com/

For the month of November, “Movember” is a special event that thousands of men take part of in Australia and around the world. The men are responsible for growing a moustache to bring awareness for prostate cancer and depression in men.  Everyone must start clean-shaven to begin the event on November 1^st.  At the end of the month, there are celebrations and parties to attend.

Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November and through their actions and words raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men's health.

Luke and several of his coworkers took part in Movember and created their own team, “I’m Sexy and I MO it!”  J  (I know you're all singing along now!)  Please enjoy the pictures below of Luke and his special ‘stache he grew.  I should mention that I was back in the US for almost half of the month so I received weekly pictures of the MO and even had the privilege of seeing it in person when I returned at the beginning of December.  That’s right, he was so kind to SAVE the shaving until after I had been back for about a week! 

 

Sculpture by the Sea

For most of the month of November there is a special exhibit on at Bondi Beach called Sculpture by the Sea.  Area artists have their sculptures along a 2km stretch from Bondi Beach to Tamarama.  The first weekend the exhibit opened we decided to spend the afternoon at the beach for a picnic lunch and then did the coastal walk to see the artwork. 

Australian Open

When we heard the Australian Open was taking place in Sydney, Luke added this to our “must do” list.  When the time came I was really looking forward to going because it would be my first professional golf tournament experience.  We left early one morning and spent the day at the course.  And although Tiger isn’t at the top of my list of men of the year, he is still one of Luke’s favorite golfers and we had some very up close views of him playing. 

Luke informed me that although everyone around us continued to take pictures with their phones and cameras, he wanted us to follow the rules and be respectful of the golfers by NOT.  I followed his directions but took every opportunity to snap a few shots when it was appropriate! 

 Everyone around yelling, "TIGA!"  No, "'-er's" in names here! ;) 

KSU visitors

As you may remember from a few months ago, we were invited to attend an alumni event hosted by the Kansas State President, Kirk Schulz while he and a few other university staff members were visiting Australia.  Since that time, Erin has become the Australia K State Alumni President and began working on contacting the known K Staters in the country to notify them of our new spirit club!  We had a second event one evening in November when several more university guests came for another visit.  Erin planned a fantastic event at one of our favorite pubs.  We were excited to see that the university had even made us our own banner to signify our official new group over here! 

Lisa’s Visit Home

I was very fortunate to be able to make one last visit to the US before I got too far along in my pregnancy.  Luke and I were both bummed that he wasn’t allowed to fly yet due to his back surgeries.  So I headed to the states by myself for a 3 week visit to see family and close friends.  It was a trip full of many dinners, lunches, shopping, and much needed quality time with my family and friends.  I was so happy to spend Thanksgiving with my family and then again with Luke’s family.  I had three very special baby showers while I was home, too.  I was overwhelmed with everyone’s generosity at each one and it still brings me to tears as I sit here writing this right now.  Having our baby on the other side of the world away from our family and friends is something we will adjust to, but being able to celebrate my pregnancy with so many important people to us is something I appreciated more than anything.  Thank you!  Thank you!  My friends gave me a special journal for everyone to write their own baby/parenting advice in.  I have my book over half full at this time because I was able to see so many of you while I was home!  J  If you would like to add anything to it, please feel free to email it to me and I’ll be sure to print it and add it to the book.
 

Every visit back home is memorable and very important for me, but this trip was in particular because the next time we visit we'll have an extra special visitor to bring along! 

Back in Oz

I returned to Australia at the beginning of December.  We attended Cerner’s Christmas party that week and also celebrated Erin’s birthday.  I brought back a yellow cake mix from the US so I could make her favorite- yellow cake with chocolate frosting cupcakes.  YUM!

Our favorite little coffee shop had a little surprise waiting for us right before they closed for the Christmas holidays.  Another reason we love that place! 

A few new words:
tanty = tantrum
cling film = cling wrap
paddle pop stick = popsicle stick