Self Evaluation

I think change is a process, and I am at the beginning stages of this process. I am truly struggling, because I currently, only have a small idea of what my true ideals are, and what type of life I want to lead for my future. Part of me wants a traditional life with a family and such. The other part of me just wants to travel and get to know as many cultures as I possibly can until I'm finally am able to unite the world in my mind. I don't feel that in my lifetime, people will be at peace, and to be honest--it is most likely impossible.

As for things I stand for. I am to blame for my bitterness. I look at the life I have lead, and have realized that I am nothing but the problem. I love to shop, I enjoy fashion, I watch and buy albums from artists that just encourage young people to be vain and materialistic. I worry about my appearance constantly looking at myself in the mirror, wearing make-up and wanting to be "pretty". I worry about my weight. I buy gym memberships that I hardly ever use...then when I do get around to using it, I feel good....yet still think I could do better by maybe getting my "boobs done" or buying extra face cream to eliminate possible growing wrinkles.

As for society. I am wasteful. I take drives that aren't necessary. I drive to places that I don't even need to such as the grocery store. I could easily just buy what I need and walk the 2 blocks. Then, to make matters worse, I eat food that is not at all good for me. It is loaded with preservatives and only harming my body. I don't pay extra to buy organic, because I would rather save that money for something better like purchasing i-tunes music...or buying drinks for the weekend. I am the reason for this.

I have fallen into the trap, because now that I have lived such a good life. I have been blessed with all of these luxuries, and have only experienced abundance....I WANT MORE.

I can never be satisfied with the basics. I continually want more. When am I going to stop this? And what can I do to stop these behaviors, without being too extreme....but also, without just being complacent to how my actions affect the rest of the world??

A day at the Palace of Versailles....

It was just PEACEFUL, perfect weather, and sooo relaxing.

I have to tell you. One of the most peaceful days I have had in 2009 was taking a day trip to Versailles. It wasn't the trip there, and it wasn't even the tour of the Palace.

It was touring the garden on bicycles.

One of the best things I have done this year.

Just another Tourist in Paris, France........

I am so proud of this photo I took. I just love it. This is going on a wall someday.

My Cousin Amil, and I. We just climbed a billion stairs to get to the top of Notre Dame.

Mona's actually quite small.

This pic kinda gives you an idea of how big it seems. Its surreal when you walk up to it, because there are just crowds of people everywhere....alll showing up for the same purpose.

I think after going to Paris, I have realized that I enjoy travelling to places that aren't so touristy. I just felt like one in a million gazillion people who wanted to see the attracitons and sites.

It's a hard choice though, because of course....in my lifetime it is an accomplishment to actually say, "Yes, I've seen the Mona Lisa and the Eifel Tower...", and then have the ability to give a true opinion on what the experience was like.

I can actually say that Paris has not been the best city I personally have been to in my life, but still enjoyed many parts about the city. I didn't really feel the romance that everyone else feels when going there, but I did understand the hype. Especially when I walked up to the base of the Eifel Tower. All you can think in your head is: BIG.

My favorite part of Paris was: The FOOD.

Which I'm sure is not much of a surprise for many. Not because I like to eat, but because everyone says the food in Paris is the best...and that is SOO TRUE.

I loved how every restaurant we ate at you had a choice between a 3-4 course meal. What a great dining experience. Being with my Aunt Nita helped a lot too, because she is quite the food critic, so I really enjoyed experiencing the dining atomospheres with her, my Uncle Dennis, and my cousin.

Overall, Paris was not my favorite part of FRANCE, but definately still a city worth spending some time in.

Sorry I haven't posted...

Hey Everyone!!

I apologize for not posting in a while. My internet is so slow, and it takes forever to upload pictures. Today I have the day off and have decided to really take time to write and show you what I have been up to over the last 3 months. I have done lots of travelling, and think I am going to take it easy until February. There is tons to do in Perth anyway, since it is Christmas time.

Love You,

Marcy

United Arab Emirates

Burj Dubai: The world's tallest building (or one of them) a view from the plane heading West to France.

Hashim, my tour guide. He ended up being a very hypocritical Muslim....one of many in Dubai.

Burj Dubai view from the Dubai Mall.


Burj Al Arab. Beautiful beach too, but still....makes you feel bad for how much energy is wasted on such a fake city.

Dubai

I was so nervous coming to Dubai alone, but my feelings of anxiety have been relieved after spending a day here. I really don't know if I like it here or not?? What an interesting, and different culture. I feel like the entire day, all I did was analyze what it would be like to have to wake up in the morning and wear a black silk cover from head to toe...or if I was lucky, maybe a wrap that has color. I think Arab women are just beautiful though. They have such excotic and profound features.

So far though, Dubai has many of the same attributes America has, except with middle eastern people. There are tons of transplants here too, especially from America, The UK, and Australia for contract work. There is construction everywhere here! Not only that, it is very clear the amount of money that goes through the United Arab Emirate economy. It doesn't seem to be very high in poverty....so many nice cars, clothes, and material items.

Love, Martina

Gold Souk....Dubai is known for them!

True Opionion about Dubai:
Would I go back??? Probably not. Is it the Las Vegas of the Middle East??? NO WAY!!

Dubai, one is too expensive to get to, shop in, and also too restricted legally because of the Muslim based laws. Being an ethical world citizen too, it is hard to not feel some type of guilt for how much energy all the fancy buildings are using up, and how many resources are used for such a project that seems quite uneventful.

As for the city, it has beutiful buildings and architecture, and the hotels are not very pricy for all that you get.

As for the laws: the black market economy is huge...why??

Because you can only drink in designated hotels. And you have to really keep on eye out on the choices you make in terms of partying. I personally chose to just stay in my hotel and relax by the pool.

At 20-30 dollars per drink....there was no party going to be happening in Dubai for me!!

Dubai and France tomorrow...4:00AM!!!!

Hey Guys!

I leave for Dubai tomorrow morning at 4:00am....which means I have to wake up at like 3:00am...so whats the point of sleeping??? Ha ha! I will probably just go to bed early. I am kind of nervous, like usual, but know that everything is cool! I have been talking to people who have been to Dubai, and they said it is safe, and not difficult to get around. So we will see!

I spend 3 days in Dubai, and October 2nd am off to France. We will be in Paris the first 3 days, then we are going to the Champagne District for a wine tour--then back to Paris the last 4 days of our trip.

Then, it's back to Australia! And time to plan for my next big excursion! The Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Brisbane, and a long ROAD TRIP up the coast!!!!

Love Always,

Marcy

September 20, 2009 Dedicated to my MOM!

Dear Mom,

I know I was the kid who swam in the opposite direction upside
down. Against all the other fish.
Yet still had the guts to ask who you loved best.

I also know I was the the kid who you knew if there was a big red button on the wall that said "DO NOT PRESS", I would be the first to press it.

I'm sorry for all the heartache I've caused you, the extra oatmeal you have to eat, because of the high blood pressure I give you, the worry I cause because I can never stay living in one spot for too long, before I get antzy and want to try something new.

I hope someday I can be as cool of a mom as you were to me.

Please understand that although I tend to swim upside down in the opposite direction it is all because--you let me. Yes, there may be 1, 2, or 500 arguments about my swimming choices, but at the end of the day:

You let me be who I truly am.

Thanks Mom. I love you, and Happy Birthday from Australia!!!!! ( A card is in the mail.)

(BEAT THAT POST MICHAEL AND ERIC)